Grazed brassica and forage crops for cattle and sheep

Find out how to extend the grazing season, supply a forage gap or outwinter livestock. Our advice will help you manage all aspects of grazed brassica and forage crops.

Brassica and forage crops can provide nutritious, cost-effective feeds for cattle and sheep. They can be used in arable and grazing rotations and work as break or cover crops.

Benefits of grazing brassica or forage crops include:

• High dry matter (DM) per hectare
• An increase in animal performance
• Reduced feed costs when grazed
• Reduced machinery use for feeding out
• Better soil structure
• Weed control before reseeding

These crops do not fit into every system; site selection is crucial. Attention to crop nutrition and agronomy is important for a successful yield.

Forage gaps typically occur in the summer and winter. They can be filled by feeding silage or hay, however, this will increase feed costs.

Crop and livestock performance will vary between farms and even field to field. Knowing which crops are suitable for your system should help lead you to success.

Soil type and field choice are important aspects of managing crop performance and environmental impact. 

Brassica and forage crops require different management to grazed grass. Find out how to manage both crops and livestock when using this approach.

Our advice on managing the environmental impact of winter systems for livestock includes tips on compaction, soil fertility and wet weather management.