The Science Behind Better Oats with Dr Allan Rattey

In this episode of the Hay Matters Podcast brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by Dr Allan Rattey, National Oat Breeder at InterGrain, to explore the future of Australian hay and forage production.They discuss how cutting-edge technology is accelerating oat breeding, the importance of balancing yield with quality, and why fibre digestibility is a game changer for both sustainability and livestock performance.Dr Rattey also shares insights into how InterGrain is delivering practical solutions to Australian farmers, including varieties tailored to unpredictable weather and dual-purpose crops that maximise flexibility and profitability.Breeding times for new oat varieties are now as short as 9-10 years, thanks to innovations like speed breeding and advanced trait selection tools.Fibre digestibility is a key focus, improving both livestock nutrition and sustainability by reducing waste.The integration of new technologies, including drone imaging, has streamlined the process of selecting high-performing crops, helping farmers achieve better results faster.InterGrain bred for speciality Hay and Grain oat varieties. They also heavily select for dual-purpose oat varieties that improve growers in season flexibility to decide whether to harvest for hay or grain, depending on market conditions and seasonal challenges.Curing time is key for hay production, ensuring farmers can work within limited weather windows.Collaboration with farmers and feedback from processors are central to breeding programs, ensuring new varieties deliver real-world value across the industry.InterGrain leads Australia’s barley and oat breeding programs, developing high-yield, disease-resistant varieties that are adaptable to diverse conditions.