Oat production in Minnesota is experiencing a modest renaissance. Just four years ago, oat acreage had declined to a record low, with only 77,000 acres harvested, according to NASS. This season, 165,000 acres were harvested for grain. Despite the rebound, current acreage remains small compared with historical levels, which peaked at roughly 5 million acres annually in the decade following World War II. The increase is being driven by a range of factors, including pet food manufacturers seeking alternatives to wheat or barley, growing concerns about groundwater quality, and producers looking for more profitable cropping options.
The upcoming Small Grains Update meetings in eastern and southern Minnesota will place a strong emphasis on oat production and management, covering the crop from start to finish. Additional topics will include variety selection for spring wheat, winter wheat, and winter rye. Note that the meetings in Rochester and Slayton are part of a larger extension program that day.
These free workshops are sponsored by the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council. Please register online to ensure that there is coffee, cookies, and food for everyone.
Details for each event are below:
February 16 - Grand Rapids: North Central Research & Outreach Center, 1861 E. US Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm with lunch starting at noon. (Contact Troy Salzer at 218-591-0478, please register at z.umn.edu/smallgrainsupdate by February 12 for meal count)
Source : umn.edu