Winfred Forage Brassica
(Brassica napus)
The ultimate all-rounder suited to all soil types, all stock classes and many sowing times.
A versatile, early maturing forage brassica, Winfred Forage Brassica is a cross between turnip and kale and an outstanding option for cheap feed. Winfred Forage Brassica is suited to a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, stock classes and sowing times.
Winfred Forage Brassica has exceptional drought tolerance, good frost tolerance and excellent regrowth potential. Winfred Forage Brassica flexibility allows it to perform well through summer and carry later into the season as winter feed is required.
It has the potential for 2 to 4 grazing between early summer and late winter. Winfred Forage Brassica is a good companion species and can be sown with ryegrass to provide quick feed after sowing. Winfred Forage Brassica can also be sown with other herbs and clovers – including Shirohie Millet, Tonic Plantain & Choice Chicory.
Winfred Forage Brassica planning and grazing checklist:
Paddock selection:
- Use prior to pasture renovation or as a cereal break crop
- Ensure livestock have access to a clean water supply
- Run-off paddock nearby
- Weed and fertility issues addressed
Preparation:
- Fine, firm, moist seedbed
- 1 to 2cm planting depth required
Sowing:
- Conventional or direct-drilling
- With or without Italian Ryegrass, Herbs & Clovers
- Seed treatment, fertiliser application
Sowing Time:
- 12 weeks before feed required
Winfred Forage Brassica can be grazed 10 to 12 weeks after sowing.
Grazing:
- Ensure crop has reached maturity (10 to 12 weeks)
- Introduce stock to the crop gradually
- Supplement the diet with another feed source (animal intake for brassicas should not be greater than 33% for dairy cows, 70% for beef cattle and lambs can consume up to 100%)
- Monitor animal health
WINFRED | |
---|---|
Weeks to first grazing | 10 to 12 |
Regrowth after grazing | High |
Ripening requirement | Medium |
Aphid tolerance | Medium |
Drought tolerance | High |
Propensity to boiling | Low |
* There is variation in resistance to cabbage aphid depending on infestation, stage of growth and level of regrowth. All varieties are susceptible to green peach aphid and false cabbage aphid. Under fertile conditions many rapes do not suffer the extent of aphid damage if the plant is strong and well fertilised. Stressed plants are more vulnerable to aphid attack. |
Recommended Sowing Time: July to September or February to May
Recommended Rainfall Rate: 500mm+
Recommended Sow Rate:
Monoculture: 3 to 4 kgs/ha.
Mixed with Herbs: 1 to 2 kgs/ha.
Or
Winfred Forage Brassica: 2 kgs / ha. with Knight Italian Ryegrass: 8 to 10 kgs / ha.