Teff is a major cereal crop in Ethiopia and has been grown in other African countries as a hay crop. Teff is a warm-season, annual grass that has rapid seed germination and seedling development. It is well adapted to dry climates. These characteristics allow teff to be used in both dry regions of the US as well as those with adequate moisture where alternative forage is desired.

Teff is truly and annual crop and will be killed when air temperatures reach 26 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting teff, make sure it is after a frost free date (remember late spring cold temperatures in May can occur). Teff germinates very quickly after planting and will reach heading stage in approximately 8 weeks.

Use caution is grazing teff as it is shallow-rooted and livestock may pull the plants out of the ground. If hayed or grazed before seed matures, there should be no porblem with volunteer teff in the following crop.

Teff varieties:

Reprieve Teff is a medium maturing variety that has very good forage quality and is highly accepted by beef animals, dairy animals and horses. It's fine, succulant leaves have produced high tonnage even during times of minimal moisture. Tech Sheet
Additional Reprieve Teff Information

Planting Rate:

Alone: 8 to 10 lbs per acre

Average Seeds Per Pound: 1,200,000 to 1,300,000 seeds per lb.

Planting Depth: 1/8 to 1/2 inch depth

Days to Germinate: 3 to 10 days