Forage Rape has the advantage of being a very fast growing forage crop, suitable for grazing by sheep or cattle. An ideal catch crop for boosting mid summer forage production when planted in the Spring.

Sowing Information

Sowing period = May - end September

Direct Drill = 6kg/ha (2.5kg/acre)

Broadcast = 10kg/ha (4kg/acre)

Yield & feed Quality

Average dry matter yield = 3.5 tonnes/ha

Average fresh yields = 24-35 tonnes/ha

Dry matter = 12-14%

Crude protein = 19-20% (mainly leaves)

Digestibility value = 65D

Metabolisable energy = 10-11 MJ/kg DM

Utilisation

• Graze July - December
• Strip or zero grazing should be used for feeding to cattle
• Sheep can be set stocked in small 'paddocks'

Useful Tips

• Suitable for fattening lambs in Autumn
• Extends the Autumn grazing season
• Consider growing a mixture with Stubble Turnips to combine he benefits of both crops