rye

Rye is usually used as a winter cover crop because of its tolerance to adverse growing environments. It is the most winter hardy grain grown in Ohio. Rye is more productive than other grains on infertile, sandy or acidic soils, and on poorly prepared land.

Rye acreage, except for peaking during the two World Wars, has gradually declined during the past 100 years. Only 24% of 1996 plantings were harvested for grain. Rye intended for grain in Ohio is usually planted from mid-September to mid-October , and harvested in late-June and July.

Ohio ’s top rye-producing counties are Ashland , Auglaize, Carroll, Huron and Warren . In the last Census of Agriculture, producers on 270 Ohio farms reported raising 3,521 acres of rye for grain, with an average yield of almost 33 bushels per acre.

Rye is used for baking and flavoring, as well as for livestock feed. In Ohio, it is commonly used to extend the livestock grazing season, because it can provide high-quality forage for animals in late fall and early winter.

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to login or register.