KindHarvest summary: Milling oats can contribute more than grain income. In a 2022 Farm Progress report, Minnesota farmer Ben Dwire described how oats support straw sales, cover crops and cattle grazing within his no-till rotation.
What the source reports
Dwire grows small grains alongside corn and food-grade soybeans. Earlier oat harvest creates time to establish cover crops for later grazing. His milling strategy emphasises variety choice, grain quality and removing light material at harvest.
Practical response
Assess oats across the whole rotation: grain returns, straw value, forage opportunities and the costs of meeting a buyer’s specifications. Dwire’s experience also highlights the importance of securing a milling market.
KindHarvest perspective: This is one farmer’s experience in Minnesota, rather than a universal recipe. Local growing conditions, market access and livestock requirements should shape any trial.
Source and credit
This KindHarvest Team news brief is based on reporting by Paula Mohr for The Farmer / Farm Progress, published 10 May 2022. Read the full Farm Progress article.