Foxtail Millet
Description
Foxtail millet (German millet) is a fine-stemmed summer annual used mainly for emergency hay or pasture for cattle. It is the lowest yielding of the summer annual grasses since it will not regrow after cutting. It can also be used as a smoother crop when transitioning to other perennial forage crops. Foxtail millet is also commonly used for wildlife plantings to produce food and cover for doves, quail, and other birds. Foxtail millet does not contain prussic acid, but does contain the glucoside setarian, a compound toxic to horses. In addition, seedheads from foxtail millet can become lodged in the horse’s mouth resulting in physical damage. Therefore, the use of foxtail millet for horses is NOT recommended. Foxtail millet is better adapted to more acid soils and soils with a lower water holding capacity than the sorghum species. For more information on soil types see AGR-217: “Determining Soil Texture by Feel.” A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is required for optimum production. Phosphorus and potassium should be applied according to soil test. For more details on fertilizing warm season forages like foxtail millet, see AGR-1 Lime and Nutrient Recommendations. In the absence of a soil test, apply 60-80 lb/A of P2O5 and 70-100 lb/A K2O prior to seeding. Apply 60 to 80 lb/A of actual nitrogen at seeding. Foxtail millet should be planted after there is no chance of frost and when the soil temperature has reached at least 65ºF. It is more sensitive to cold stress than sorghum. It can be either conventionally or no-till seeded. Seed can be broadcast at rate of 20-30 lb/A onto a fine, but firm seedbed and then cultipacked to ensure good soil-seed contact. When seeding using a grain drill, reduce seeding rate to 15-20 lb/A. Seeding depth should be between 1/4 and 1/2 inch. Foxtail millet will provide grazing or hay in 45 to 60 days after planting with good growing conditions. Since foxtail millets will not regrow, do not initiate grazing until the plant has reached a height of at least 18 inches. Harvest for hay at late boot to early head stage. Nitrate poisoning. To avoid nitrate poisoning do not apply excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizer or manure/poultry litter. Do not graze drought stressed or slow growing plants. For more information on nitrates, see ID-217: “Forage-related Cattle Disorders–Nitrate Poisoning.”