1. Methods of Determining Canopy Closure in Winter Wheat
Dillon Butchee
April 22, 2009

2. Dual Purpose Wheat
Using winter wheat crop for grazing cattle and harvesting grain
Sow wheat in September to allow for fall growth before temperatures get too cold
Graze cattle throughout winter months
Pull cattle off in the spring at first hollow stem

3. First Hollow Stem
When the seed head moves up the stem to approximately ½ inch above the crown
Crucial stage in a dual purpose wheat system
Terminate grazing too early = loss of beef
Terminate grazing too late = loss of grain yield

4. Aspects of Study Mowing to simulate grazing
More cattle = lower mowing height
Fewer cattle = higher mowing height
2 varieties of wheat with different growth habits
Upright
Prostrate
Varieties have similar genetic backgrounds and maturation dates

5. Two different methods to quantify biomass in the field
Digital photography method
Well documented and proven
Optical Sensor (GreenSeeker)
Finds NDVI value

9. Conclusion Data collected thus far shows promise
Study has potential to
predict mid-season stocking rates using the GreenSeeker
identify which wheat variety is best suited for heavy grazing
We may be able to estimate what the wheat grain yield will be by knowing an NDVI value at mid-season on a dual purpose wheat crop