Pallaton Raphno put to the test in drought stricken Monaro

PGG Wrightson Seeds southern NSW sales agronomist Bruce Ramsey said Pallaton Raphno was able to grow more dry matter per millimetre of rainfall than other brassica varieties.

"It's been developed by crossing kale with a grazing radish," Mr Ramsey said.

"We've had it grown in 500mm rainfall areas, but it does fit with traditional brassica growing areas, like the Southern Tablelands, Highlands and Monaro."

Bombala sheep and cattle producer, Charlie Moreing tried growing the new brassica for the first time last spring, in what was undoubtedly a trying season.

"We only put in 20 hectares, I did a rush job sowing because we were forecast 25-50mm of rain," he said.

They only ended up getting 12mm but most of the crop managed to germinate.

"I only put in 6kg/ha (instead of the recommended 8kg/ha) because I knew it was going to be dry, I think 4-5kg came up," he said.

He said the way the brassica held on surprised him.

"During that January period I ended up putting lambs on, I only put 300 in there because I thought otherwise it will get blown away," he said.

"But we did finish those lambs, they went from 42kg to about 53kg in six weeks so that was okay with no rain."

Then in February they had about 60mm, letting the Pallaton bounce away.

"In the end we finished 1200 lambs on that paddock and we only had about 120mm in that period."

"I honestly think it's a brassica that if you can get it germinated, with its roots down, it will hold on.

"Others around us who planted the traditional Winfred or Mainstar brassica varieties didn't get much of a crop at all."

Mr Moreing said the lambs ate out all the Pallaton before they were sent to Coles in May, but 20mm a couple of weeks ago had remarkably seen it recover. "We now have 30 heifers on it," he said.

Mr Ramsey said Pallaton was being grown across southern Australia and trials were underway in northern NSW and Queensland.