I don't grow oats, although they are quite popular amongst the cowboys around here, and some grain farmers.
But, looking at the economics of it, I just can't see how they could compete.
I keep hearing how oats is so profitable because it yields 200+ bu/acre, so even at half the price of barley, it would still make lots of money.
According to AFSC Yield, across Alberta, Oats averaged 84 Bu/acre, barley averaged 66.
In my area, risk area 6(west of Red Deer ish), oats 80, barley 77
In risk area 7 (Red Deer ish), Oats 84, barley 84.
It was a very dry year, but previous years aren't that drastically different.
So, who is actually getting these spectacular yields, and where?
Can you keep oats standing at those yields?