Maris Kestrel kale
Maris Kestrel is a high-quality, cost-effective kale variety for all classes of stock.
Maris Kestrel kale provides a good late summer/early autumn feed for cattle or sheep and a useful solution for late-season grazing deficits.
It is also ideal for out-wintering stock. The leading kale variety in Ireland, its success lies in livestock being able to utilise the whole plant.
Benefits of Maris Kestrel Kale
- High digestibility driving intakes
- Outstanding leaf-to-stem ratio and whole plant D-value
- Vigorous early growth
- Resistance to lodging
- Good winter hardiness
- Long utilisation period
- Suitable for all classes of stock
| Maris Kestrel kale | |
| Sowing time | May to June |
| Seed rate | 2.5-3.0 kg/acre (increase to 4.0 kg/acre if broadcasting) |
| Yield | 10-12 t DM/ha |
| Utilisation period | November to February |
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To learn more about Maris Kestrel kale or any of our agricultural grass seed mixtures, please ask a Germinal expert today.
Usage Guide: Maris Kestrel Kale
Sowing rate: 2.5-3.0 kg/acre (if broadcasting increase to 3.5 kg/acre)
Sowing time: May-June
Sowing depth: 10-15 mm
Sowing instructions: Soil test approximately 8 weeks prior to sowing. 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 Kale (source: Teagasc Green Book)
| Soil Index | ||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| N (kg/ha)1 | 120 | 105 | 80 | 60 |
| P (kg/ha)2 | 60 | 50 | 30 | 0 |
| K (kg/ha)2 | 220 | 210 | 170 | 0 |
1A split dressing for kale is advised. Spread half N at sowing and half approx. 3 weeks later.
2Advice assumes a yield of 40 tonnes/ha per cut, fresh weight. If yields are expected to be smaller, reduce the P and K application by 0.5 and 4 kg/ha for each tonne below 40.
Uses: Dairy – Y; Cattle – Y
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