Description
Economical forage turnip
Mammoth Purple Top is a traditional forage turnip that has stood the test of time on Australian farms. It’s a mid-maturing variety, typically ready to graze in 12 to 14 weeks, and offers both leaf and bulb feed. Stock readily eat both parts, giving you a high feed yield per hectare and making it a reliable option for sheep, beef or dairy systems.
This turnip is well-suited to a wide range of soils and conditions, meaning it fits comfortably into many farming systems. The large, round bulbs provide high-energy feed that helps put weight on stock quickly, while the leafy tops supply extra bulk and protein. That balance makes it a handy choice for finishing animals or supporting milk production in dairy herds.
One of the main attractions of Mammoth Purple Top is its low sowing rate. At just 1–2 kg per hectare, it’s a very economical crop to establish. Sowing should be shallow – no deeper than 5mm – into a well-prepared seedbed to get the best strike. With sowing windows in both early spring and early autumn, there’s good flexibility to fit it around pasture rotations and feed plans.
Management is straightforward. Adequate soil fertility, especially phosphorus and sulphur, will support strong growth. A single graze system is most common – allowing the bulbs to fully develop before grazing ensures maximum yield. While it doesn’t regrow like leafy brassicas, it still delivers a heavy feed hit at a time when you need it.
Farmers choose Mammoth Purple Top because it’s proven, cost-effective and dependable. Whether you’re looking to fill a feed gap, finish lambs or top up dairy production, this turnip continues to perform year after year, delivering reliable bulk feed at a low cost.
- 12-14 weeks to maturity
- 1-2 kg/ha sowing rate
- Most widely used variety
- Produces a large round bulb
Variety | Mammoth Purple Top Turnip |
---|---|
Sowing date | Spring & Early Autumn |
Sowing depth | 10mm |
Sowing rate | 0.8-2kg/ha |
Ready to graze | 12-14 weeks |
Potential grazings | 1 |
Soil temperature |