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Fodder rape could still be an option on drier farms in the south and east of the country, but the window for sowing is getting tighter.
Rape can be successfully sown from April to the end of August. However, the later it is planted, the lower its yield will be. T
ypical forage rape yields for a summer sown crop are 2-2.5t/DM/ha. Typical seeding rates are 4.5-5kg/ha. The crop fertiliser rates permitted on an Index 3 soil are 110kg nitrogen/ha, 20kg of phosphorus/ha and 50kg of potassium/ha.
These fertiliser rates are based on Index 3 soils. These recommendations are based on June sowing dates and a reduced nitrogen application may be possible due to later sowing.
Nitrogen applications should be split between sowing and a second application at the three-leaf stage.
Temporary housing cattle
Some farms in the west have had to house cattle this week due to torrential rain leaving grazing conditions very difficult. Try to house cattle dry if you can and don’t overstock sheds.
Make sure there are as many doors and vents open as possible to ensure good ventilation.
Round bales of silage should be made three weeks before feeding.
Feeding some concentrates to finishing cattle/weanlings will avoid a big check in growth rates during this period when they are in the shed. If you are using this period as an opportunity to dose cattle, leave them for a day or two to settle before stressing too much with extra handling.
SHARING OPTIONS: