1. Forage for livestock consumption. Barley straw, used as forage for cattle, has a nutritional value equal to prairie hay. There are Paramount customers who testify that their barley straw has as much economic value as either the grazing or grain production.

2. Barley straw is also becoming a popular (organic) algae control agent in ponds and waterways

– More pasture/grazing in Fall than from wheat.

– Barley ripens 7-10 days earlier than wheat, making double cropping back to beans, milo, flowers, or forage sorghum more feasible.

– Barley is resistant to Karnal Bunt.

– Barley requires 10-15% less fertilizer and water

– Cash production costs for barley may be 40% less than for milo.

– Barley makes better use of early spring rains.

– Barley harvest is in June instead of October, helping both early cash flow and livestock feed needs. This also helps to facilitate crop rotation.

– Barley has better feed value — 2% higher protein and lysine.

– Barley should sell at a higher price than milo.

– Variable production costs are much less for barley–up to 45% less!!

– Barley does not need summer rains. Spring rains are enough.

– A June harvest with barley can help cash flow and feed ration needs. It also helps to faacilitate crop rotations.

– Barley has 2% higher protein and lysine than corn.

– Some feedlots and dairies will pay corn price, or more, for barley.

– Some barley varieties (like P-919) will produce equal or more forage production in the fall. Cattle often like barley better.

– Volunteer barley seed or plants will NEVER CONTAMINATE machinery or infest your fields!!