UC Small Grains Blog

Dry conditions this year have generated common questions from growers such as when should I irrigate to maximize yield? and will I be able to take this crop to seed? Many of the principles that dictate irrigation strategies in wheat are similar to those of other crops.

Please see the attached announcement for a Virtual Organic Wheat Field Day to be held 5/21/21 from 9-10AM.

Please join us on May 12th from 1PM - 4:30PM for the 2021 UC Small Grains/Alfalfa-Forages Virtual Field Day! Learn about UC research and extension activities related to water, nutrient, soil, weed and pest management.

Looking a little dry out there? Dry conditions mean it's good to be cautious about nitrate toxicity in forage crops, particularly small grain hay, grasses, and anything weedy! Nitrates can harm or even kill animals. Growers should test forages and stay vigilant.

Concerns about a growing resistance to herbicides In Mediterranean or arid climates, particularly in areas with marginal soils, crop rotations are often limited to a narrow range of hay, pasture, a handful of winter legumes, or rainy-season grasses.