Oklahoma Wheat Grazing Window Narrows as Crops Lag

State extension advice warns producers against grazing wheat past first hollow stem, a stage that could arrive within weeks.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Current Conditions

Bold flat-color vector editorial illustration of a plain wooden measuring stick standing in a field of young green wheat on the open Oklahoma plains. — Oklahoma State University Extension advises wheat producers to stop grazing before first hollow stem, a stage that could arrive within weeks as late-planted crops lag. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Oklahoma State University Extension specialist Amanda De Oliveira Silva advised producers not to graze wheat past first hollow stem. Wheat is behind schedule due to moisture and cold temperatures, and drought is affecting crop growth.

Why it matters

Grazing past first hollow stem can harm wheat yield, so the timing of this stage directly affects how much forage producers can safely use. Many producers did not have a chance to graze wheat in the fall because forage was insufficient.

The USDA estimated 4.6 million acres of wheat were seeded in 2022, a 7% increase from 2021, and first hollow stem could arrive in two to three weeks for some varieties, with varieties differing by three to four weeks. The source does not say when first hollow stem will reach Oklahoma fields or how spring rain will affect the crop.

The players

Amanda De Oliveira Silva

Amanda De Oliveira Silva is an Oklahoma State University Extension specialist who advises producers on wheat management.

Oklahoma State University Extension

Oklahoma State University Extension is the outreach arm of Oklahoma State University that provides research-based agricultural guidance to producers statewide.

The details

Producers were advised to measure for first hollow stem every couple of days as temperatures warm, since a Wheat research team measures crop progress twice a week. Much of the state's wheat acreage, especially forage acres, was seeded late by dusting in due to extreme drought, and some parts of Oklahoma have recently received substantial rain.

2022: USDA estimated 4.6 million acres of wheat seeded.
Within the next two to three weeks: first hollow stem could arrive for some varieties.
Later this spring: grain-only wheat varieties leave dormancy and will need rain.

Seasonal Patterns

Oklahoma State University Extension's twice-weekly wheat crop-progress measurements are the basis for this year's first hollow stem guidance. The current delay follows drought-driven late seeding that pushed much of the state's wheat acreage behind its usual development schedule.

Producers should stop grazing wheat before first hollow stem to protect yield, and should measure for that stage every couple of days as temperatures warm. Grain-only varieties will need rain most when plants leave dormancy later this spring, so producers should plan moisture accordingly.

The takeaway

Watching for first hollow stem rather than the calendar is the most reliable way to protect wheat yield this season. Producers who track the stage every couple of days can make grazing decisions before the window closes.

What happens next

Producers should check for first hollow stem every couple of days over the next two to three weeks as temperatures warm, and grain-only varieties will need rain once they leave dormancy later this spring.