The Forage Brassica Development Group (FBDG) is a farmer-based organisation funded by the
MAF Sustainable Farming Fund, Dairy NZ, Meat and Wool NZ and Pasture Partners. From 2006-
2009 we conducted experiments, field days and workshops on brassica agronomy throughout NZ, with
the main recommendations and conclusions being summarized in a booklet entitled ‘Management
practices for forage bassicas’ by John de Ruiter et al. This booklet is the key reference for the paper I
am presenting today.
Our experiences would suggest that the success or failure of a brassica crop is determined by
the planning and preparation conducted in the month or so prior to sowing, sowing the crop in a
husband like manner and finally what happens in the fortnight after sowing. A few timely rains can
help, but consistent and reliable yields are the result of attention to detail: luck has very little to do
with it.
In this paper I will therefore concentrate on establishment, but also yield assessment as in our
experience the latter is often assumed or not taken seriously. Growers seeking information on other
topics and issues especially cultivars and utilisation should refer to the booklet.[Show full abstract]
![[PDF]](/themes/LURA/images/mimes/b_pdf.png "PDF file"){kind=small}
