NEW fast-growing fodder crops offer northern livestock farmers extra pre-Christmas feed stocks if sown by mid-to-late September.

Michael Shannon, of British Seed Houses, says crops such as the hybrid brassica Swift and the grazing turnip Appin, could provide a ready-to-graze crop in as little as ten weeks.

Timely sowing and correct management could turn bare stubble into crops giving six to eight tonnes of dry matter per hectare.

Mr Shannon said speed of establishment was the key, so seed should be treated and soil nutrient levels boosted with an appropriate application of compound fertiliser.

It is also important to ensure good soil-to-seed contact.

He said: "Establishment costs need not be excessive, but it is important to do the job right to ensure you maximise the crop's potential. Seed can be broadcast direct onto stubble or on to a surface that has been power-harrowed or disced. The most important part is to roll the seed in, to ensure good contact with the soil.

"Pests and diseases will remain a threat into the autumn, so using seed treated with Ultrastrike provides cost-effective insurance and will help the crop to establish quickly."

He recommended a check on the soil nutrient and pH status before sowing, and appropriate action to ensure the crop was properly fed.

Soil pH should ideally be in the 5.8 to 6.5 range for brassicas, and there is usually a good response to nitrogen and phosphate.

He said: "As a general guideline, crops will typically require 50to 60kgN/ha and 30kg/ha of both phosphate and potash."

Free advice on alternative fodder crops is available in "Cutting Feed Costs and Filling Forage Gaps with Fodder Crops", available from British Seed Houses on 01522-868714.