Best way to sow forage rape

[neilo]

Rain is the key

Agreed. It'll grow on the yard if it rains. If it's a dry time, key is to conserve moisture and keep a firm bed. That's when DD comes into it's own, IMO. In the OP's case, an application of thin slurry wouldn't do any harm after broadcasting/drilling. A layer of thick slurry will cap it.

 

[shearerlad]

We direct drilled rape this year. Roundup on day 1, cut and baled on day 4, drilled on day 5 with an Aitchison drill. It was sown on 20th of July and photos were taken on 4th of October

 

[ridger]

Just interested to know if the roundup affects the quality of the bales? Iv a field of westerwolds that I'm wanting to grow beet in and was thinking of roundup and bale in mid April.

 

[shearerlad]

It didn't seem to have an adverse affect on the quality of the silage.

 

[neilo]

Just interested to know if the roundup affects the quality of the bales? Iv a field of westerwolds that I'm wanting to grow beet in and was thinking of roundup and bale in mid April.

In theory it improves it, as the sugars are concentrated in the leaves as the glyphosate takes effect.
Normally grass you're looking to spray out isn't going to be the best grass to start with though, is it?

 

[shearerlad]

This is true @neilo, that field was earmarked for a reseed but tried something different. Reckon establishment cost was £115-£117 per acre. Spray, fert, seed, and drilling at £25/acre. Thus patch is 6 acre so £700ish. You won't finish many lambs on cake for £700.