Product Used: Subzero Hybrid Forage Brassica
Subzero forage brassica provided excellent feed for ewes and lambs through winter on the property of Robert Tillbrook, at Minlaton, on the Yorke Peninsular of South Australia. Mr Tillbrook said he planted the forage around Anzac Day and they were able to graze the 14 hectare area with 200 ewes and their lambs for between six and eight weeks.
The Subzero was sown after a successful trial plot the previous season with a two hectare section used for sheep feed in that year. After the good result Subzero was sown to a larger area and proved to be an excellent option in a season which was favourable early, but dried out considerably from July. “This time we put it in a lot earlier,” Mr Tillbrook said. “Looking back on it I don’t think we had a big enough stocking rate. A mob of 400 would have been better. There would have been at least three weeks feed for that many.” The Subzero continued to grow through the winter and early spring, in spite of the lack of rainfall, and provided grazing opportunities throughout that time.
Mr Tillbrook said the ewes continued to graze the paddock over a couple of months during the spring period and there was still shoots coming from the plant in mid-November. “Our Dohne ewes were as fat as mud,” he said. “There didn’t seem to be much there but they were still getting something out of it.” He said Subzero was a good option because it had the ability to take advantage of any summer rain and provide feeds option across the summer months. If conditions are favourable Subzero could also provide forage in early autumn and other pastures are commencing. Across two seasons on the property, Subzero has demonstrated excellent potential as an early feed option with the ability to respond well to rainfall events throughout the year.
Robert and Trent Tillbrook, of Monalton, SA in Subzero forage brassica used as a feed option for Dohne ewes and lambs.
