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 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 perennial forage or cover crops, and a timely window for a mid-season animal manure application.