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      Maris Kestrel kale

      Maris Kestrel is a high-quality, cost-effective winter feed for all classes of stock.

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      The leading kale variety in Ireland, it is high-yielding with a high leaf-to-stem ratio and its success lies in livestock being able to use the whole plant. Ideal for outwintering, it can also help overcome late-season grazing deficits.

      Benefits of Maris Kestrel Kale

      • High digestibility driving intakes
      • Vigorous early growth
      • Resistance to lodging
      • Long utilisation period and good winter hardiness
      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

      Ask an expert

      To learn more about Maris Kestrel kale or any of our other forage options, please ask a Germinal expert today.

        Usage Guide: Maris Kestrel Kale

        Sowing rate: 2.5-3.0 kg/acre (if broadcasting increase to 3.0 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

        Available NPK for kale1, 2 (kg/ha)
         Soil index N P K
        1 150 60 220
        2 130 50 210
        3 100 30 170
        4 70 0 0

        1 For late-sown crops, reduce N by 20% if sown after April.

        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.

        Source: Teagasc Green Book, 2020 (revised edition)

        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