Turnips
Turnip grazing in Nebraska started in the early 1930’s. The turnip is a cool season biennial which germinates at soil temperatures as low as 40 degrees F. It will continue to grow in the fall until temperatures drop near 15 degrees F. Both the roots and the tops are very nutritious and palatable. The root or bulb grows half way in the ground and half way out of the ground. This allows livestock to easily pull up and consume both parts. Turnips are a high energy, high protein Forage.
Turnips can be seeded anytime from March to August. Best fall plantings are sown in late July – early August. Early planting gives higher yields but more weed problems. Where moisture is available, turnips can be double cropped after small grains. Extending your grazing season into fall and winter often pays big dividends. Turnips provide good grazing beginning in October and often lasts into the new year.
