In the southern Great Plains, small grains serve three very important purposes for producers. First, small grains are a cool season forage crop for stocker cattle. Second, it is a grain crop only. Third, small grains are used as a dual-use crop, both forage and grain. Planting date can significantly affect the success of these different strategies. When small grains are planted early, more forage will be available for livestock; conversely, a delayed planting date should achieve a higher grain yield. The objective of this research was to determine the optimum seeding rate as planting date changes for small grains for forage, grain only, or dual-use system. Six different planting dates were evaluated, beginning September 1st, with a 14 d interval between each planting date at both McGregor and Vernon, Texas. Seeding rates were 30, 60, 90, and 120 lbs/acre for Agri-Pro Cutter wheat, Harrison oat, and 90 lbs/acre and 30lbs/acre for TAMCALE 5019 triticale and TAM 90 ryegrass, respectively. Results from 2003 and 2004 showed that planting date had a significant impact on forage yield. Total forage yield decreased as planting date was delayed; however, forage yields were variable by seeding rate. The last two planting dates did not produce sufficient forage for either the fall or spring. For the September planting dates, oats provided the most fall forage, followed by wheat and ryegrass. Season-long ryegrass forage yields were higher than both wheat and oats. Maximum grain yield for the grain only treatments was achieved with 30 lbs/acre for all planting dates except the November 25 date. Grain yield from the dual-use system was comparable for the 60, 90, 120 lbs/acre.