The warm temperatures of weeks gone by make it an ideal time to plant fodder or catch crops. Soil is warm and a small bit of moisture can go a long way in getting these crops off the ground.

Many crops have already been planted and growth has been fast in the past week.

If you are thinking of planting, do it sooner rather than later, as every day in the warm temperatures will result in fast growth and more yield.

Feeding out fodder

Many farmers are currently feeding out winter fodder and may already have been low in stock, so a fast-growing fodder crop could help to lower the fodder deficit on farms.

Fodder rape, a rape-kale hybrid or stubble turnips are all good options which won’t break the bank.

You can go all out and get a direct drill or one-pass to plant, or you can use what you have in the yard. A light cultivation, the fertiliser spreader and a roller will all work to get plants in the ground.

If there is tillage in your local area, there might be a farmer very happy to work with you to get some livestock on to their ground. They may even have some crops already planted that could be grazed.

Agreement

Make an agreement on costs, payment, fencing, animal type and grazing times.

If the farmer is planting the crop on request, then make this agreement before the crop is planted.

This article will guide you on seeding rates.

Fodder rape, for example, would need a seeding rate of 10kg/ha when it is broadcast, while stubble turnips would need a seeding rate of 8kg/ha. This can be decreased if drilled into the ground.

The Department needs to plan now for fodder from catch crops.