Octoer 5, 2018
Maris Kestrel kale will be a problem solver for many farms this winter, as they look for solutions to fill the forage gap. Out wintering on Maris Kestrel also provides an answer for those with limited shed space or increased stock numbers.
John O’Dwyer who milks 140 cows along with his father John Paul in Ballytarsna, Cashel, Co. Tipperary began growing Maris Kestrel in 2012 and utilises it for these very reasons. Incorporating Maris Kestrel also helps John in working towards his goal of heifers continuing to reach their target weights. “Although this year presented us with difficult conditions, animals thrived on the kale and it didn’t affect their performance” remarked John.
Stock usually begin grazing on October 1st, followed by another 20 head of stock on November 1st and grazing continues until 15th January. Animals are then ready to be let out onto grass with no requirement for a transitional period.
Animals are given access to a number of blocks to begin with, then John moves the wire 4ft per day; on wet days moving the wire twice in one day to prevent wastage of the forage crop.
The O’Dwyers average 10 t DM/ha of kale on dry land and John feels that Maris Kestrel kale is a high quality crop giving excellent animal performance. “Despite the ground conditions, the appetite was still there, and the crop remained palatable” says John. The O’Dwyers sow on average 6 acres of kale per year for 3.5–month utilisation period.
Maris Kestrel has outstanding whole plant digestibility, meaning that all of the plant, including the stem, is utilised. Once grazed it leaves a clean seed bed, making Maris Kestrel the perfect crop prior to reseeding.
Find out more about our Forage Crops.
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