Forage Brassica · Grazing · Cover Crop

Trophy Rape

Brassica napus

A fast-growing forage brassica selected for vigorous establishment, leafy biomass and high-quality seasonal forage. Trophy Rape fits grazing programs, cover crops, wildlife plantings and diverse forage mixtures throughout Western agriculture.

Forage Brassica Fast Establishment High Biomass
Trophy forage rape growing in a field for livestock grazing and cover crop production
Species
Brassica napus
Plant Type
Forage Brassica
Life Cycle
Annual
Primary Uses
Grazing + Cover Crop

Fast-Growing Brassica Built for Forage

Trophy Rape is a canola-type forage rape selected for rapid establishment, productive leafy growth and substantial forage biomass. It is well suited to seasonal grazing and diversified cover crop systems.

Trophy establishes quickly and can produce a strong fall stand under favorable growing conditions. Compared with brassicas grown primarily for root production, forage rape directs much of its value into an accessible leafy canopy for livestock.

Trophy can be planted alone or included with cereal grains, legumes and other forage brassicas to create a more diverse seasonal forage or cover crop stand.

Why Trophy?

Trophy is not simply generic rapeseed. It is a forage-oriented cultivar selected for rapid growth and strong above-ground biomass production.

Its combination of quick establishment, leafy forage and compatibility with cereal and legume species makes it especially useful in multi-species grazing systems.

What Trophy Rape Brings to the Stand

1

Rapid Establishment

Trophy emerges quickly under favorable conditions and can develop useful seasonal cover in a relatively short period.

2

Leafy Forage

Produces a substantial canopy of highly digestible brassica forage for properly managed livestock grazing systems.

3

High Biomass

Vigorous above-ground growth contributes forage, residue and seasonal plant biomass to cover crop programs.

4

Weather Adaptability

Trophy is noted for useful tolerance to variable heat, cool conditions and periods of limited moisture.

5

Strong Fall Growth

Rapid establishment makes Trophy especially useful where a productive fall forage stand is desired.

6

Mix Compatibility

Combines well with cereal grains, legumes and other forage brassicas in diversified grazing and cover crop mixtures.

Where Trophy Rape Fits

Seasonal Grazing

Produces leafy annual brassica forage that can help extend grazing opportunities during suitable parts of the year.

Cover Crops

Adds fast-growing broadleaf diversity and active nutrient uptake to multi-species cover crop systems.

Forage Mixtures

Complements cereals and legumes by adding a highly digestible brassica forage component to the stand.

Wildlife Habitat

Can also be incorporated into wildlife forage and food-plot plantings where seasonal brassica growth is desired.

Trophy Rape Planting Information

Trophy Rape has small seed and should be planted shallowly into a firm seedbed with adequate moisture and good seed-to-soil contact. Avoid planting brassica seed unnecessarily deep.

Typical Pure Stand
6–8 lb/acre
Planting Depth
¼–½ inch
Primary Season
Late Summer–Fall
Growth Type
Leafy Forage Brassica

Seeding rates are general guidelines. Planting date, soil moisture, seedbed condition, method of establishment, intended use and whether Trophy is planted alone or within a mixture can affect the appropriate rate. Broadcast applications may require rate adjustment.

Leaf Production Over Root Production

Trophy Rape is different from forage turnips and tillage radishes. Its primary forage value comes from productive above-ground leaves and stems rather than development of a large grazing bulb or elongated storage root.

That makes Trophy particularly valuable when the goal is rapid production of accessible brassica forage within a diverse stand.

Rapid Emergence
Leafy Forage
High Biomass
Strong Fall Stand

Build a Diverse Grazing Mix

Trophy Rape works particularly well when balanced with cereal forage and legumes rather than being relied upon as the entire diet.

Triticale

Adds substantial cereal forage, upright growth and fibrous root development.

Beardless Barley

Adds productive cool-season grass forage and provides a contrasting forage type.

Forage Peas

Adds broadleaf legume forage and biological nitrogen-fixing potential when properly nodulated.

Forage Kale

Adds another leafy brassica with complementary maturity and forage characteristics.

Manage Brassica Forage as Part of a Balanced Diet

Forage brassicas can be highly digestible and should be introduced to livestock gradually. Avoid turning hungry, unadapted animals directly onto a lush stand, and provide access to dry hay or other grass forage to help balance the ration.

Introduce Gradually Allow livestock time to adapt to lush brassica forage.
Provide Other Forage Hay or grass forage helps prevent brassicas from becoming the entire ration.
Monitor the Stand Forage quality, nitrate risk and available biomass can change with fertility, drought, frost and plant maturity.

Need Trophy Rape Seed?

Contact Weaver Seed for current availability, wholesale pricing, forage mixtures, cover crop options and help determining the appropriate Trophy Rape seeding rate for your operation.

Contact Weaver Seed