The developing grain head on all small grains (winter wheat, rye, triticale, barley) is located just above the highest stem node of the plant. Grain yield is jeopardized when this structure elongates and elevates to a height that is susceptible to being removed by grazing livestock. Generally, this occurs when the growth stage we call "jointing" begins to occur. This usually happens in mid-April — earlier in southern Nebraska and later in northern Nebraska. Maintaining a 2- to 3-inch minimum stubble helps. Check with your local Cooperative Extension agent, as this date will change depending on your location.
Grazing does tend to slightly delay the onset of jointing. Thus, the safest way to prevent grain yield reduction is to protect a small area of the field from grazing and observe ungrazed plants for the onset of jointing. If animals then are removed from the small grain pasture, little grain yield reduction will have occurred due to grazing removal of grain heads. Both irrigated and dryland fields respond similarly.
If the primary grain head is removed, plants often produce new tillers that can form grain, but yield usually is reduced and grain matures a little later.
Spring small grains, like oats, behave the same way but will not elevate their seed heads until about one month later than winter small grain.
