Albert Lea Seed House 2017 Cover Crop Seed Guide | Page 12

www . alseed . com • 1-800-352-5247
PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID MAIL EXPEDITORS
1414 W . Main Street , P . O . Box 127 Albert Lea , MN 56007

Turnips

FALL GRAZING BRASSICAS

Highly digestible leaves & roots , which makes for excellent grazing in the early fall , into the winter . Roots grow half out of the ground and provide a high energy feed with 85 % TDN and up to 10 % protein . Root bulbs stockpile well as cattle & other livestock will paw them out of the ground , even under snow cover . Leaves are susceptible to frost . Hardy growth and very adaptable to variable soil types and growing conditions . Pairs well with other fall grazing species like oats , winter rye , annual ryegrass , etc .
Best Use : Cover Crop , Fall Forage Planting Date : July 15th – September 15th ( later seeding dates will lessen growth ) Adaptations : All soil types & environments Requirements : Watch intake on animals new to pasturing brassicas . It ’ s usually recommended to bulk up animals on dry feed or other pasture before grazing heavy stands of brassicas . We have found turnips to overwinter in MN / WI / IA / SD in 2015 & 2016 . Seeding : 4-8 lbs / acre
Purple Top *
• Economical commonly used variety for cover cropping & fall grazing
• Good choice for low fertility fields Conventional Uncertified _________ $ 1.60 / lb Organic Uncertified _ ASK / lb [ based on availability ]
Barkant
• Vigorous all-purple root
• Good leaf & root yield with high sugar & dry-matter content
• Hardy to early frost conditions and very palatable
• Good resistance to bolting and can be grazed multiple times with proper management Conventional Uncertified _________ $ 1.92 / lb
* = Variety not stated

Forage Rape
Succulent & leafy brassica related to cabbage which makes excellent forage for hogs , sheep , cattle & young stock . Fast establishing . Persists well after the first frost . Ready to pasture in about 6-8 weeks with fast regrowth for multiple grazings . Higher protein level & dry matter accumulation compared to turnips . Adaptable to varied soil types including droughty soils . Pairs well with other fall grazing species including oats , winter rye , annual ryegrass , etc .
Best Use : Cover Crop , Fall Forage Planting Date : July 15th – September 15th ( later seeding dates will lessen growth ) Adaptations : All soil types & environments Requirements : Watch intake on animals new to pasturing brassicas . It ’ s usually recommended to bulk up animals on dry feed or other pasture before grazing heavy stands of brassicas . We have found dwarf essex rape to overwinter in MN / WI / IA / SD in 2015 & 2016 . Seeding : 4-8 lbs / acre
Barsica
NEW !
• Highly palatable forage suitable for multiple grazings
• High protein & energy
• Fast maturing
• More heat tolerance vs . turnips Conventional Uncertified _______ $ 1.66 / lb
Dwarf Essex Rape *
• Economical choice for grazing & cover cropping . Conventional Uncertified _______ $ 1.10 / lb
Kale *

Kale

The most frost tolerance of all the brassicas ; it produces good yields and retains excellent feed value during cold weather . Livestock almost prefer it more after it a frost due to increased sugar content in the leaves . Will remain green down to 10˚F . Comparable protein & feed value to alfalfa . Will often produce the most tonnage of all the fall brassicas , stems more palatable vs . forage rape . Good pairing with other fall grazing species like oats , winter rye , annual ryegrass , etc .
Best Use : Fall Forage Planting Date : May 1st – September 1st ( later seeding dates will lessen growth ) Adaptations : All soil types & environments Requirements : Watch intake on animals new to pasturing brassicas . It ’ s usually recommended to bulk up animals on dry feed or other pasture before grazing heavy stands of brassicas . Seeding : 3-4 lbs / acre
• Economical , cold tolerant choice for grazing Conventional Uncertified _______ $ 2.75 / lb