Rape/Turnips (Mammoth Purple Top) – per kg

The ‘Mammoth Purple Top’ turnip is a widely adapted, high-yielding, biennial forage brassica (Brassica rapa) that is typically grown as an annual for livestock grazing or as a cover crop. Often referred to as “rape” when used in a forage context, both the nutritious leafy tops and the large, globe-shaped bulbs of this variety are highly palatable and digestible to animals. It is a mid-maturing variety, generally ready for grazing around 80-90 days after sowing for maximum yield, though the roots can be harvested sooner for human consumption to avoid a woody texture. The plant is easy to grow, exhibits good cold hardiness and drought tolerance, and features a distinctive purple “shoulder” above the ground with a white part below the soil line.

Primarily, these turnips are used as a cost-effective, high-energy feed source—rich in protein and sugars—for sheep, cattle, and deer. They are also effective as a cover crop, benefiting soil structure and scavenging nitrogen. When feeding to livestock, a planned management strategy is crucial; strip-grazing is recommended to prevent waste, and animals must be introduced to the feed gradually while also receiving supplemental forage like hay to prevent potential health issues such as bloat or anemia. Furthermore, to avoid disease build-up in the soil, brassicas should not be cultivated on the same site for more than two consecutive years.