Early-Sown Oats: Agronomy, Management and Profitability in the Kwinana and Geraldton Regions
Contract Code: Contract Code: LIV2505-002SAX
Project Timeline: 2025-2028
Early sowing of oats is gaining interest across the Kwinana and Geraldton Port Zones, driven by strong grain prices and the fit oats provide within farming systems. Oats offer several advantages including strong crop competition, tolerance to frost and waterlogging, flexibility in sowing depth, dual-purpose potential (hay or grain) and value as a disease break.
Despite this, there is limited locally relevant data on how oats perform when sown early, particularly in relation to variety selection, seeding rate and optimal sowing timing. This two-season Living Farm trial (2026–2027) aims to address this gap and provide practical, region-specific guidance to support early-sown oat production.
Key Outcomes
- Compare oat varieties under early and main-season sowing windows across Kwinana and Geraldton environments.
- Assess the impact of seeding rate on establishment, biomass, yield and grain quality.
- Identify profitable and reliable oat management strategies to support early sowing opportunities.