Wheat for Grazing, Hay & Silage

Wheats are well suited to livestock systems needing strong dry matter production, good palatability, and reliable regrowth. They can be used across a range of systems — from winter grazing through to spring silage or hay.

Spring Forage Wheat

Spring forage wheats establish quickly and produce strong bulk when sown into warming soils. They are commonly used for cut-and-carry, hay, or silage, and can also provide short-term grazing before lock-up.

Key forage traits

  • Rapid early growth

  • High total dry matter potential

  • Soft, leafy feed suited to hay and silage

  • Flexible sowing and cutting windows

Winter Grazing Wheat

Winter wheats are bred for early biomass production and extended vegetative growth. This makes them ideal for winter grazing, followed by silage or hay in spring. With correct management, they can also be taken through to grain if required.

Key forage traits

  • Excellent winter feed supply

  • Strong regrowth after grazing

  • Extended grazing window due to vernalisation response

  • Reliable bulk for spring forage conservation

Management considerations

  • For highest forage quality, target boot stage for silage

  • Nitrogen responsive — early N drives bulk, later N supports regrowth

  • Grain recovery remains an option if grazing pressure is managed correctly

Talk to the Notman Seeds agronomy team to match the right forage wheat to your system, sowing window, and feed demand.