Late sown Forage crop options

Stubble turnips

While a July sowing might be best for optimum yield, stubble turnips can go in up until September, providing they have good moisture and the soil temperature is still reasonable, with only a slight yield loss. A variety like Samson, will put out more leaf than root from a later sowing, therefore the overall yield will be less. However, this can still provide a useful crop if required, and will still have the nutritional value to hold stock over winter.  

Forage Rape

With a sowing frame up until the end of August, forage rape is another quick growing option. It has good fresh weight yields and offers a high protein option. Forage rape has the added flexibility of mixing with Italian Ryegrasses to create a cleaner winter keep.  

Late Sown Winter Feed

This is a mix specifically designed to go in later sowing slot. It includes quick growing species which will provide an over winter feed option, suitable for either cattle or sheep.  

Forage Rye

With an ideal sowing time from September, this can provide a good quality grazed feed. If the crop allows, a pre-Christmas graze could be possible. The forage rye has the added benefit of mopping up any residual nutrients from the previous crop. Once the crop has established well, it provides an opportunity for an early spring grazing, and can be useful in reducing overwintering costs.  

Lucerne

A longer-term option that can provide forage for up to 5 years. The benefit of lucerne is its high protein content, and its ability to produce multiple cuts per year. Ideally sown from spring to mid-August, it has a flexible sowing period that makes it a useful crop. 

Grass

An often-forgotten crop, grass provides a good forage crop for either grazing or conserving. Autumn seeding is an option to rejuvenate an old ley, or include a new lay as part of a rotation. With perennial ryegrasses, sowing can continue well into the autumn. There is the added flexibility of a one year mix to a longer term option.