Brassica Crops

Measuring forage crop is critical for allocating the correct break size and animal allowance. Crop dry matter percentages are often assumed, and these can be very inaccurate.

Brassicas require careful grazing management, particularly when being introduced to stock. Most animal health issues happen in the first few days of feeding.

When winter pasture growth falls short of what is needed to keep animals well-fed, feed must be transferred from times when supply exceeds animal demand. This process entails considering many factors at all levels of the farm business, from day to day management to the overall farm system.

Brassica feed values can vary widely between situations, cultivars, and time of year. Use our feed value table to help grow and utlise your crops.

Brassicas can sometimes cause animal health issues, but these can be minimised or avoided through good management. Most problems are seen in the first few days of grazing, especially if animals are put onto a crop hungry (see Brassica grazing management).