Hybrid brassica
Redstart
Redstart is a high-energy, high-protein, versatile grazing crop combining rapid growth with good performance all year.
Product overview
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.
Product benefits
- High energy and protein
- Good winter hardiness for outwintering
- Regrowth and late season yield potential
- Suitable for cattle and sheep
Usage instructions
| Rate | 3.5-4.0kg/acre (if broadcasting use a higher sowing rate) |
| Time | May-August |
| Depth | 10mm |
| Yield | 6-8t DM/ha |
| Utilisation period | Earlier sowings have the potential for multiple grazings. Later sowings can be utilised until February. |
| Process | 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 10mm. Roll well after sowing to ensure good soil/seed contact. Apply N, P & K as per soil test results and nitrates rules. |
| Comments | Monitor for pest attack and seek advice where a problem arises. For brassica grazing best practices, visit our guide. |
Available NPK for forage (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)