Forage Brassicas & Herbs

Within the brassica options there are good forage solutions as well as great versatility. 

As maturity times are relatively predictable, brassicas offer a terrific tool for feed budgeting to meet forage demand and output targets. Seek specific advice for your situation.

Sowing rates vary widely, and depend on many factors including:
• condition of the seed bed at sowing time,
• method and accuracy of sowing equipment
• seed size
• length of time to maturity
• plant size and habit. 

Brassicas need a fine, weed-free seed bed, with a pH of 5.5 or above. Crops may respond to boron, molybdenum and phosphorus. Nitrogen application is usually needed, but care should be taken to avoid nitrate poisoning, particularly with drought (or other) stressed crops. 

Brassica crops will often respond well to appropriate applications of potassium, as this will tend to aid keeping ability and leaf retention. High rates of sulphur are not advised unless the site is particularly low in soil sulphur levels.

Newly introduced stock should be carefully monitored and may take a little time to become accustomed to the crop. Flowering crops should not be fed to livestock.