Brassica’s
High-sugar forage that drives animal performance
Brassicas are fast-growing, high-energy forage that bridge feed gaps across seasons—from quick summer feed to reliable wintering. Used well in rotation, they drive animal performance, deliver strong yields, and add system flexibility.
Vernado’s range covers different jobs on farm: forage kale (medium-tall, late-flowering, high leaf yield; typically ~12–14 t DM/ha and up to ~18 t/ha depending on conditions), swedes (soft, yellow-fleshed bulbs with good utilisation, ~70% above ground), and fodder/tillage radish (deep-rooted to break compaction and improve soil structure).
FORAGE KALE
Forage Kale is a high-yielding, late-flowering brassica designed for reliable winter feed and excellent utilisation across all stock classes. It grows medium-to-tall with a strong leaf-to-stem ratio, producing soft, palatable stems that cattle and sheep readily graze. Sown between October and January at a rate of 4–5 kg/ha, forage kale typically reaches grazing maturity in 150–220 days and can yield 12–14 t DM/ha, with top crops reaching up to 18 t/ha under favourable conditions. Its deep rooting and durable structure make it ideal for sustained feed supply through colder months while maintaining paddock productivity.
FODDER RADISH
Fodder Radish is a fast-establishing brassica that delivers quick, high-quality feed while improving soil health between main crops. Its deep taproot helps break up compacted soil, improving drainage, aeration, and nutrient cycling for future pasture growth. Best sown in spring at 4–6 kg/ha, fodder radish provides rapid summer feed and is highly palatable for cattle and sheep. It’s a versatile option for short-term grazing, green manure, or soil rejuvenation, but avoid late-autumn sowing if strong root development is desired. With its speed, flexibility, and soil-conditioning benefits, fodder radish is a smart fit in mixed forage rotations.
RAPE
Pulsar Rape is a special forage rape developed in New Zealand that gives growers extra flexibility compared to traditional forage raps. It does not need to reach full maturity before grazing — it can be grazed as early as 10 to 14 weeks (≈ 90 days) after sowing. Pulsar works well as a summer feed option for fattening/finishing, or when sown in autumn to provide early winter feed. It adapts to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions and is suited to all stock classes (cattle, sheep, deer). Vernado recommends a sowing rate of 4–6 kg/ha (sole crop) with a yield potential around 12 t DM/ha, making it a high-output, high-nutrition option for rotational grazing systems.
SWEDE
Swede is a reliable, high-energy winter brassica that delivers excellent animal performance and utilisation. It produces soft, yellow-fleshed, purple-skinned bulbs, with around 70% of the bulb above ground for easier grazing by cattle, sheep, and deer. Sown between November and December at 1.0 kg/ha in 20 cm rows (or 1.5 kg/ha broadcast), Swede typically reaches grazing maturity in 170–200 days. It thrives in cooler regions and provides a dense, nutritious winter feed source with strong regrowth potential and high dry matter content, making it a consistent performer in pasture renewal or crop rotation systems.
What Our Customers Say
-
![]()
- Dairy Farmer Levin-
-
![]()
Dairy Farmer Waikato
