Getting More Return from Grazing and Grain with Dual-Purpose Wheat Varieties in Oklahoma and Kansas
I recently saw a Facebook post about using diversification to improve profitability, specifically by grazing wheat in a dual-purpose system. I agree with that approach—but I think there’s an opportunity to maximize profitability if we look closely at how we manage those acres.
When grazing wheat comes up, I usually hear two things right away:
1. “Cattle don’t care what variety it is—they’ll eat any wheat.”
2. “I can’t justify the cost of buying new seed just to graze it.”
Both are fair points. While every input decision matters, sticking with bin-run seed can leave money on the table, especially in a dual-purpose system.
Many newer wheat varieties are specifically bred and tested for dual-purpose use, such as LCS Cowie AX and LCS Warbird AX. That means they are selected for strong forage production, good grazing tolerance, and still deliver strong grain yield at harvest.
In fact, some of our newer Limagrain varieties have shown higher yields after grazing compared to ungrazed. That’s a big shift from the traditional mindset where grazing typically meant a yield penalty.
Thanks to Limagrain’s additional focus on dual-purpose varieties in the central plains, we have developed improved genetics that can maximize the profitability of your operation:
These improvements include
- More forage = more flexibility with stocking rates
- LCS Cowie AX tops 2026 TAMU Comanche irrigated forage trial.
- Later first hollow stem = longer grazing window
- Better regrowth = more consistent performance after cattle come off
- Stronger grain yields on the back end, with most trials showing a 3–10 bushel advantage in grazed acres
- LCS Cowie AX + 6bu/ac, LCS Warbird AX + 10bu/ac OSU 2026 El Reno Grain Only vs. Dual Purpose Trial Trial Data Here (Trial Data)
Equally important, these varieties hold their own in grain-only production systems. So even if conditions change or you decide not to graze, you are still growing a high-performing wheat variety. (Trial Data)
At the end of the day, dual-purpose wheat is about making every acre work harder. Grazing adds one revenue stream, but choosing the right genetics can help you maximize both sides of the equation.
It’s not just about getting by with what’s in the bin. It’s about putting yourself in the best position to capture the full value of that crop, from pasture to harvest.
