Species Selection Information System

Teff is a warm-season annual grass that is increasing rapidly in popularity among hay growers in the United States. Teff (Eragrostis
tef [Zucc.], Poaceae) is classified as intermediate between tropical and temperate grasses. It has many small-stemmed tillers originating
from one crown and a shallow, diverse root system. Teff has no tolerance to freezing temperatures at any stage of its life cycle.
Teff is traditionally harvested for grain in Ethiopia, where its flour is used for the production of injera, a major food staple. The
nutritional value of teff grain is similar to that of traditional cereals. Teff is considered to have an excellent amino acid composition.1 Its lysine levels are higher than those of wheat or barley but slightly lower than those
of rice or oats. Teff is also higher in iron and calcium than wheat, barley, and sorghum.

1. It is considered gluten free by the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center.

2. Teff is grown on a limited basis for livestock forage in Africa, India, Australia, and South America. Teff straw is often fed to livestock after grain is harvested in Africa. Teff hay is high in quality, and South African farmers prefer it to other hay for feeding dairy cattle, sheep, and horses.1 In Oregon, teff’s short production cycle makes it useful in several situations.

• If water is scarce, production can be matched with the time when irrigation water is available.
• Teff will work as an emergency or rescue crop after crop failure as long as previous herbicide applications do
• not prohibit stand establishment.
• Teff is an excellent interim crop between crops of alfalfa.
• In the Treasure Valley and the Columbia Basin, growing teff as a double crop may be an option. In these areas, a second planting in July will produce one harvest of hay or can serve as a green manure crop.
• Crop rotation is relatively easy following teff, as only small crowns and fine roots remain after hay is removed