Key points

• At current lamb prices the use of finishing crops is often profitable

• Specialist forage crops, if grazed at the correct stage of growth, can provide a bulk of high quality feed when the quality or quantity of ryegrass pasture is low
• Risks include possible crop failure, the lag time before the crop can be grazed and potential animal health problems
• Animal health problems can occur with most fodder crops, especially brassicas
• An acclimatisation period is essential when introducing sheep to brassicas.