Organic Oats Production Part 1: Field Prep, Planting & Growth (March–June)
Part one of a four-part series following a certified organic oat field at Schuchardt Farms in Nebraska from field preparation through the heading stage.
In this video:
• Field prep with a field cultivator and harrow on former soybean ground • Early planting on March 14 at about 105 lbs/acre to help outcompete weeds
• Emergence on April 10 and growth checks on May 1, May 6, June 3, and June 14
• Broadcast fertilization with gypsum (SO4) and micronutrients based on soil sample results • Irrigation during a dry spring and why early planting matters for yield and test weight
• Managing weed pressure in an organic field and why oats are a good option for farms transitioning to organic
• Plans for harvest, straw baling, and rotating the field into alfalfa Rick and Philip Schuchardt share what they changed in their second year growing oats, including planting earlier and thicker, and discuss test weight requirements for food-grade oats, bin storage and moisture management, and the economics of organic oats.
For more technical information, visit the OCIA Nebraska chapter website and watch the presentation from our annual meeting.
Funding for this video was provided by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). Produced by Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) Nebraska chapter member