Kale is a brassica crop traditionally grown for grazing by cattle or sheep in the Autumn and Winter. It can also be cut and fed to stock ‘in house’ or as an alternative can be ensiled as big bale kaleage. It is very adaptable and can grow on most sites throughout the UK.

Sowing Information

Sowing period = April - July

Direct Drill = 4-5kg/ha (1-2kg/acre)

Broadcast = 8kg/ha (3kg/acre)

Yield & Feed Quality

Average dry matter yield = 8-10 tonnes/ha

Average fresh yields = 60-65 tonnes/ha

Dry matter = 14-16%

Crude protein = 16-17% fresh, 19-25% ensiled

Digestibility value = 68D

Metabolisable energy = 10-11 MJ/kg DM

Utilisation

• Strip graze September - March
• Zero grazing allows efficient crop utilisation with very little waste but does increase costs

Useful Tips

• Will extend grazing season
• Drill after first cut silage
• Alternate sowing dates to ensure Kale does not over mature
• Useful game cover
• Ground preparation can include slurry applications
• To improve establishment use a flea beetle control treatment (available on Keeper