Albert Lea Seed House 2018 Cover Crop Seed Guide | Page 15

Fall Grazing
Brassicas
Turnips
Requirements: Watch intake on animals new
to pasturing brassicas. Recommend bulking up
animals on dry feed or other pasture before grazing
heavy stands of brassicas. We have found turnips to
overwinter in MN/WI/IA/SD in 2015 & 2016.
Seeding: 4-8 lbs/acre
Highly digestible leaves & roots, which makes for
excellent grazing in the early fall, into the winter. Roots
grow half out of the ground and provide a high-energy
feed with 85% TDN and up to 10% protein. Root bulbs
stockpile well as cattle & other livestock will paw them
out of the ground, even under snow cover. Leaves are
susceptible to frost. Hardy growth and very adaptable
to variable soil types and growing conditions. Pairs well
with other fall grazing species like oats, winter rye,
annual ryegrass, etc.

[based on availability]
• Vigorous all-purple root
• Good leaf & root yield with high sugar & dry-matter
content
• Hardy to early frost conditions and very palatable
• Good resistance to bolting and can be grazed
multiple times with proper management
Conventional Uncertified __________ $2.35/lb
Forage Rape
Best Use: Cover Crop, Fall Forage
Planting Date: July 15th – September 15th (later
seeding dates will lessen growth)
Adaptations: All soil types & environments
Requirements: Watch intake on animals new to
pasturing brassicas. Recommend bulking up animals on
dry feed or other pasture before grazing heavy stands of
brassicas. We have found dwarf essex rape to overwinter
in MN/WI/IA/SD in 2015 & 2016.
Seeding: 4-8 lbs/acre
• Economical and commonly used variety for cover
cropping & fall grazing
• Good choice for low fertility fields
Conventional Uncertified __________ $1.50/lb
Organic Uncertified__________ $2.40/lb
Barkant
Best Use: Cover Crop, Fall Forage
Planting Date: July 15th – September 15th (later
seeding dates will lessen growth)
Adaptations: All soil types & environments
Succulent & leafy brassica related to cabbage which
makes excellent forage for hogs, sheep, cattle, &
young stock. Fast establishing. Persists well after the
first frost. Ready to pasture in about 6-8 weeks with
fast regrowth for multiple grazings. Higher protein
level & dry matter accumulation compared to turnips.
Adaptable to varied soil types including droughty soils.
Pairs well with other fall grazing species including oats,
winter rye, annual ryegrass, etc.
Purple Top*
Kale
Barsica Forage
Rape
• Highly palatable forage suitable for multiple grazings
• High protein & energy
• Fast maturing
• More heat tolerance vs. turnips
Conventional Uncertified________ $1.59/lb

$39.75/25 lb bag
Dwarf Essex Rape*
• Economical choice for grazing & cover cropping.
Conventional Uncertified________ $0.90/lb

$45/50 lb bag
The most frost tolerance of all the brassicas; it produces
good yields and retains excellent feed value during
cold weather. Livestock almost prefer it more after a
frost due to increased sugar content in the leaves. Will
remain green down to 10˚F. Comparable protein & feed
value to alfalfa. Will often produce the most tonnage
of all the fall brassicas, stems more palatable vs. forage
rape. Good pairing with other fall grazing species like
oats, winter rye, annual ryegrass, etc.
Best Use: Fall Forage
Planting Date: May 1st – September 1st
(later seeding dates will lessen growth)
Adaptations: All soil types & environments
Requirements: Watch intake on animals new to
pasturing brassicas. It’s usually recommended to bulk
up animals on dry feed or other pasture before grazing
heavy stands of brassicas.
Seeding: 3-4 lbs/acre
Forage Kale*
• Economical, cold tolerant choice for grazing
Conventional Uncertified________ $4.00/lb
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