Oats are a major spring-sown, small grain crop in Iowa. Oats can be used for grain and straw production, as a companion crop to establish hay and pastures, or for early-season forage such as hay or haylage. Because oats mature in late July to early August, it allows for cropping options for the remainder of the season including establishment of a perennial forage or cover crop and a timely window for a mid-season animal manure application.