Fodder beet is grown as a main root crop, which requires similar husbandry to Sugar Beet. It can produce substantial yields of high quality forage and is an excellent supplement to grass silage.

It requires specialist harvesting equipment unless grazed in situ.

Sowing Information

Sowing period = March - May (after the last frost)

Precision Drill only = 50,000 seeds/acre

Seed sold in one acre packs (50,000 seed units)

Yield & Feed Quality

Average dry matter yield = 13-15 tonnes/ha

Average fresh yields = 80-90 tonnes/ha

Dry matter = 12-19%

Crude protein = 12-13%

Digestibility value = 78D

Metabolisable energy = 12.5-13.5 MJ/kg DM

Utilisation

• October to March

Useful Tips

• Medium dry matter varieties tend to have a higher percentage of the root above the ground and can be lifted with a top lifter and have a relatively low dirt tare. These can be fed whole to stock.
• High dry matter varieties tend to sit further in the ground and require a Sugar Beet harvester to lift them.
• Due to the higher dirt tare and hardness of the root, these varieties may need to be chopped and washed before feeding.
• After wilting, the tops may be fed to stock and can contribute a further yield of 3-4 tonnes protein rich dry matter per hectare.