Redstart hybrid brassica
Redstart is a high-energy, high-protein, versatile grazing crop combining rapid growth with good performance all year.
Cold-tolerant forage crop
It grows fast like a typical forage rape while also tolerant of cold, frosty conditions like kale. Redstart offers grazing options through summer, autumn and winter, and is an ideal catch crop for countering late-season grazing shortages.
Benefits of Redstart kale & forage rape hybrid
- High energy and protein
- Good winter hardiness for outwintering
- Regrowth and late season yield potential
- Suitable for cattle and sheep
| Redstart | |
| Sowing time | May to August |
| Redstart sowing rate | 3.5-4.0 kg/acre |
| Yield | 6-8 t DM/ha |
| Utilisation period | Earlier sowings have the potential for multiple grazings. Later sowings can be utilised until February |
Ask an expert about Redstart hybrid brassica
To learn more about Redstart seed or any of our grass and forage crop options, please ask a Germinal expert today.
Usage guide: Redstart Hybrid Brassica – Kale & Forage Rape
Redstart 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 Redstart 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