Oats can probably get planted at the end of this Month.  Frost seeding a slightly higher rates generally works pretty good.  In the Wisconsin Trials in 2008, Dane oats, released in 1990 topped 100 bu/ac in some locations and is the earliest oat you can plant.

PDF of Season Summary and Wisconsin Trials      Seed Suppliers

Iowa State had fantastic yields last year in the trials, the state trail average was 137 bu/ac.  Don is an early oat and continues to look like a safe bet.  Jim, Jerry still in the hunt, but are later season oats.

PDF of Iowa State Trials    Seed Suppliers

Iowa

 • Seed Savers Heritage Farm - All packets heirloom seed, $2.50/pkt.. (Decorah)

 • Blue River Hybrids - Organic and Conventional, Non-GMO tested seed. (Kelley)

 • Welter Seed and Honey Company - Supplier of certified organic seed. (Onslow)

 • Paul's Grains - Chemical-free flour and cereal since 1964!. (Laurel)

In Minnesota, test weights did very well, but yields lag behind our other 3 states.  Excel is an early oat that continues to look good. 

Minnesota Oat Trials     Seed Suppliers

In Illinois, test weights dictated feed oats for dry heifers or farrowing sows.  32 lbs was a streach. Yields all over the map and Ogle, out since 1981 did as well as anything, but has proven to be an out-of-date oat over and over.  

Illinois Oat Trials     Seed Suppliers