Old school, still smart.

Turnips were once the backbone of summer feeding—and for good reason. They’re simple, reliable, and deliver high-energy feed when pastures drop off post spring. Today, they still have a strong place on farm – let’s explore more.

Small investment

Dry spells, heat, and slowing pasture growth. A small investment in a few hectares of high ME turnips could take the pressure off pastures, especially in the early part of summer.

Why They’re Back

Fast to feed options. Ready in as little as 50 days with a variety such as Marco Tetraploid Turnip. Low input, big return: Minimal fertiliser. Perfect for sacrificed paddocks, after spring silage or paddocks planned for full renovation next Autumn.

Planting Window

Sow from mid September to November, once soils are warming and winter frosts finish. Early sowing (cooler conditions) means more days to the first grazing, but even late plantings deliver useful feed through summer (provided they have moisture to establish)

Sowing at a glance

  • Sowing Rate: 1–1.8 kg/ha
  • Depth: 10 mm into a fine, firm seedbed. Or broadcast on top with fertiliser
  • Finish: Roll after sowing to lock in moisture
  • Seedbed: A good, firm seedbed helps ensure uniform germination and strong early growth.
  • Seed treatment precision: Insecticide can be applied directly to the seed — exactly where it’s needed — protecting seedlings in early stages while minimising chemical use across the paddock. A small investment in establishing success.

Paddock Selection

Avoid paddocks prone to waterlogging, as wet soils limit growth and reduce yield. Turnips perform best in free-draining soils but are adaptable to a wide range of soil types.

How to Spread Feed Over Summer

To keep grazing going longer, mix maturities in your program. For example

This approach gives you quick grazing first, then heavy bulbs later—keeping quality feed on hand for 50 to 120 days.

After multiple grazings, leafy turnips and forage brassicas are your go to brassica options.

Weed Control Tip

If you expect summer broadleaf weeds, apply Trifluralin 480SL pre-sowing and incorporate well for a clean start. It must be incorporated within 4 hours of spraying. Get in the touch, always read the label.

Why Choose Turnips This Year?

  • Quick, high-energy summer feed (12+ ME for milk and growth)
  • Protect pastures in early summer
  • Low input
  • Proven, affordable
  • Yield per hectare

Talk to Notman Pasture Seeds

Chat to us about the best maturity, sowing requirements and timing which meets your needs.