Forage Brassica Performance Trials

In 2010, the University of Vermont Extension continued their research evaluating annual forage models that would best compliment cool season grass pasture. The overall goal of this project is to help organic dairy producers reduce their reliance on expensive concentrates through the production of a variety of high quality annul forages. Brassicas, such as forage turnips and rape, are a cool season crop. Hence these crops can thrive in the late fall months and potentially provide late season grazing. Brassica crops are known for their ability to provide a near concentrate type diet late in the season. UVM Extension conducted a trial in 2010 to evaluate the yield and quality of commercially available forage brassica varieties. Additional research was conducted on interseeding brassica crops with spring cereal grains and summer annuals