PhD in Plant Breeding - Wheat and Small Grains in College Station United States | Texas A&M University

Annually, Texas agricultural producers cultivate close to 8 million acres of small grains, comprising wheat (6 million acres), oats (600,000 acres), along with barley, rye, and triticale. These crops serve multiple purposes such as grain yield, winter grazing, hay production, silage, wildlife feeding areas, and soil protection crops. Ranking as the nation's third-largest wheat producer, Texas reaps 3.4 million acres each year. Wheat contributes $288 million directly to growers and fuels $973 million in economic activity. Small grain pastures also form a vital component of Texas's cattle sector, offering superior grazing quality and nutritional value.

Out of the over 6 million acres of wheat planted yearly, roughly 40-45% is utilized as livestock feed instead of being harvested for grain. Around 60% of wheat fields experience grazing at some growth stage. Cattle typically gain 2.0 to 2.5 pounds daily when feeding on this nutrient-rich forage. For wheat serving dual purposes, animals are taken off the fields by late winter, allowing the plants to mature and yield a standard grain harvest.