Stego forage rape
Stego forage rape is a fast-growing, high-yielding forage crop suitable for cattle and sheep.
This forage rape variety offers high energy grazing through the autumn and winter and is ideal for out-wintering.
Benefits of Stego forage rape
- High energy and protein
- Fast, vigorous growth
- High leaf-to-stem ratio
- Outstanding whole plant D-value with minimal residual matter
- Excellent disease resistance, including mildew
- Regrowth potential
Ask an expert
To learn more about Stego forage rape or any of our agricultural grass seed mixtures, please ask a Germinal expert today.
Usage guide: Stego forage rape
Stego sowing rate: 3.5-4.0 kg/acre (if broadcasting use a higher sowing rate)
Sowing time: May to August (April-June for multiple grazings)
Sowing depth: 10 mm
Sowing instructions: Soil test approximately 8 weeks prior to sowing Stego seed. Cultivate to achieve a fine, firm seedbed. Ploughing will help level rough fields. Apply lime as per soil test results. Sow in good conditions (warm with rain forecast), no deeper than 10 mm. Roll well after sowing to ensure good soil/seed contact. Apply N, P & K as per soil test results and nitrates rules.
After sowing: Monitor for pest attack and seek advice where a problem arises
Fertiliser rate: N, P and K guidelines for hybrid brassica (source: Teagasc Green Book)
| Available NPK for forage rape (kg/ha) | |||
| Soil index | N | P | K |
| 1 | 130 | 40 | 100 |
| 2 | 120 | 30 | 75 |
| 3 | 110 | 20 | 50 |
| 4 | 90 | 0 | 0 |
Source: Teagasc Green Book, 2020 (revised edition)
Uses: Dairy – Y; cattle – Y; sheep – Y
Hybrid brassica grazing Management
- Brassicas are low in iodine, copper, cobalt and selenium – a slow-release bolus will ensure animals receive adequate minerals
- Supplementary fibre (e.g. silage, hay or straw) should account for 30% of the diet, with 70% coming from the brassica
- Introduce stock to brassicas gradually (build-up from 1-2 hours access per day to full-time access over 10-14 days)
- Always ensure animals have access to freshwater