Goliath rape, like all forage brassica, is a small seed, so sowing depth and seed to soil contact are critical to the success of establishing a good crop. Sowing depth should be no greater than 10mm with good seed to soil contact to make sure that moisture gets to the seed.

Rolling after sowing or the use of press wheels are recommended as this will give a more even establishing crop of Goliath. Phosphorus is a critical macro nutrient that is needed for the early growth stages of any brassica crop. The best application is to have the fertiliser placed near the seed in the ground. Nitrogen is also an important nutrient at the time of sowing a brassica crop.

Be sure to have a soil test taken prior to sowing any brassica crop because it will indicate the status of not only the macro and micronutrients, but the soil condition and if any corrective measures need to be implemented.

Grazing Management of Goliath Forage Rape

Goliath is a ‘giant’ type rape and the maturity, as a general rule, is later than that of the intermediate types (Titan) which can be a challenge in some years when rainfall is limited in a dryland situation. However, unlike older varieties of forage rapes where the leaves/leaf margins are required to turn the characterised purple/bronze, Goliath’s leaves stay a green colour. Goliath rape should still be grazed at the required grazing period of 90-120 days after sowing to maximise animal performance and limit the possibility of animal health issues whilst grazing the crop.