By Erin Cuprinka
Double cropping is when two crops are grown on the same land in one year, one after the other. Double cropping after small grains (e.g., rye, wheat, barley, triticale, or oats) can be a smart way to boost farm income and improve land use efficiency, but it can also bring a unique set of budgetary considerations. The economic benefit of double cropping is highly dependent on keeping the production costs of the second crop low enough to ensure a positive return.
Timing and Field Preparation
There are several factors to consider when developing a budget for a double crop system. The harvest date of the small grain is critical.