Abstract: Dual-purpose crops are often utilized as forage (grazing or cutting) during the vegetative stages and subsequently managed as grain crops. It is practiced a number of different countries and regions and most often involves utilization of Triticeae crops. The benefits include partial alleviation of the conflict between uneven seasonal forage supply and the relatively stable forage requirements of livestock, promoting sustainable livestock production. The economic advantage of dual-purpose crops is that grain production remains relatively steady while livestock production can be increased. However, forage and grain production is potentially negatively influenced by inappropriate management, consequently it is vital to undertake research which will help standardize management of dual-purpose crops. This review paper summarized the distribution and advantages of dual-purpose Triticeae crops world-wide and analyzed the influences of crop genotype, sowing date, sowing density, temperature and moisture conditions on the productivity of these crops. Four key recommendations were identified. 1) Triticeae crops can be lightly grazed or cut at the tillering stage without reducing grain yield provided the apical meristem is not damaged. 2) Genotypes with a strong vernalization requirement and delayed reproductive growth are less likely to suffer apical meristem damage; tall cultivars with a late flowering date should be selected for dual-purpose use. 3) Sowing date should be 2-4 weeks earlier and sowing density and fertilizer application rates should be increased slightly to maximize forage production. Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied post grazing/cutting to replace removed nitrogen, maintaining grain production. 4) The economic viability of dual-purpose crops requires an annual precipitation (350-500 mm). There view identifies opportunities for further research on dual-purpose Triticeae crops in China.