SPR Brand Teff Grass
$2.50 - $3.08 lb
Teff Grass is a warm-season annual grass that is commonly used for hay production or grazing. Teff has gained popularity due to its excellent forage quality and fast growth which allows for multiple cuttings during the growing season. Teff Grass is very fine stemmed and fine-bladed. This makes it extremely palatable to all classes of livestock, and crude protein levels of Teff hay are much higher than other grass hay options. Teff Grass is widely adapted to a range of soil types but does not do well in waterlogged soils or highly saline areas.
Drilled Seeding Rate: 8-10 lbs/acre
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Product Guide
Planting
- Planting Time: Late Spring – Mid Summer
- Teff Grass needs a minimum soil temperature of 60-65 degrees to germinate. It is extremely sensitive to cold and a light frost will kill it.
- Drilled Seeding Rate: 8-10 lbs/acre
- Ideal Seed Depth: ¼”
- Seedbed preparation is crucial with Teff Grass. It should be drilled or broadcast onto a firm seedbed absolutely no deeper than ½” much like alfalfa.
Fertility
- Teff Grass requires approximately 15 lbs of N, 11 lbs of P2O5, and 40 lbs of K2O per ton of forage produced.
- Make fertilizer applications based on expected yield and soil fertility levels.
- Applying 25 lbs/acre of nitrogen between planting and late-tillering can help maximize first cutting growth.
- Excessive amounts of nitrogen can result in lodging and fertilizer applications should be split applied after each harvest.
- Do not exceed a total of 10 lbs/a of N+K if fertilizer is placed in-furrow.
Weed Control
- Plant into a clean, weed-free seedbed.
- If weeds are present at planting, consider applying Glyphosate @ 32 oz/acre before or after planting but before crop emergence to control existing weeds.
- There are no labeled herbicide options to control weeds after the crop has emerged, but if a broadleaf herbicide is applied, it should not occur until the crop has at least 5-7 leaves.
- Always read and follow label instructions before applying any herbicide.
*Always read and follow label instructions before making an applications.
All products and rates were provided by university-based sources and product labels. Always follow label instructions and consult your local chemical dealer and seed dealer before making any applications or planting of seed.
Harvest Management
- Teff is usually ready for a first cutting 45-50 days after planting
- Cut prior to full seedhead emergence and leave 3-4” of stubble for optimal regrowth
- Late boot stage up until the first ~10% of the field has emerged seedheads is a good target
- Subsequent cuttings are usually about 30 days apart and should be managed like the first
- The last flush of growth before a frost may not justify harvest and is commonly grazed
- If grazing, allow enough time for Teff to establish its shallow root system before exposing it to livestock. This is usually when there is at least 15” of top growth.
- Teff Grass has little issue with anti-quality factors such as nitrate toxicity and should be considered safe forage for livestock under most conditions.
Multiple Regions
Every acre is different and our goal is to help you know what works best in your area. This 'Growing Regions' section showcases where this species works best. If you have any questions on product placement, feel free to contact our experts and we will help!
