Catch Crop
Forage Rape & Hybrids
Fast growing forage crop that will grow on a variety of soil types. It has a flexible sowing period that can be tailored for when it is needed to be utilised with it generally reaching maturity within 12-14 weeks. Not as winter hardy as kale or swedes and will generally suit being fed pre-Christmas. Its deep rooting nature makes it an excellent pioneer crop that can be direct drilled or sown onto a fine firm seedbed. All the fertilisers should be sown at time of sowing, but a top dressing of nitrogen can be applied if the crop looks hungry. Care must be taken to avoid clubroot and should be grown after at least a 5-year break in brassica production to ensure they do not develop misshapen roots. If there is a shorter gap or a history of clubroot there are clubroot tolerant varieties available. Due to its vigorous nature if it goes in in good conditions it is less effected by pests, but the crop should still be regularly monitored. It is a cost-effective way of fattening lambs or flushing ewes but can also be used to feed cattle
