Egyptian wheat. Not Shattercane!

For the past several years I have planted Egyptian wheat around edges of a few fields also in some 'thrown together' mixtures with other wildlife friendly plants. The plant was originally suggested to me by kitchen seed in Pittsfield, IL. I enjoy visiting here as they are knowledgeable, take the time to offer good insight by listening to your needs and are willing to sell a wide variety of seed in my small quantities.  I had inquired about quail food plot ideas and this was one of the suggested plants. I was fairly hesitant because I knew it was similar to ShatterCane (actually is the same genus and specie?).  I did not want to infest my farm or my neighbors farms with that invasive hard to control problem. I was assured the seed was infertile since planting I have not had any volunteer plants. The wheat has preformed very well for its intended purpose of feeding birds, particularly quail and turkey. I have seen all types of animal tracks in plots during winter. The plant seems to grow well in tough conditions: no-till and little to no 'weed control'. You can see from the photos it grows with significant grass competition. It grows very tall (>10') and produces a large seed head at the top. I estimate about the production per plant at about two cups. The seed is mature very late (late October/early November in midwest?) and seems to provide decent winter food. I try to mow around the edges of some plantings to foster good quail habitat (strips). Although I am still disappointed with the overall quail population, I feel I have seen more quail since I began planting. I do wonder, after seeing the minute size of a baby quail brood(?) last year if the seeds are small enough for the young?

One seed head. Spray paint lid.

Seed head. Most seed did not want to be removed yet.. still green in plants 

Single plant that seed head came from. About 8'

Random mixture planting

Couple rows no-till on field edge

4 rows next to field road. Mowed the adjacent sunflowers.