Main Crop
Fodder Beet
Potential to produce a large high energy dry matter yield. It needs to be treated like a crop and should be grown on lighter soils with a target pH of 7 with sowing from April through to May. It is essential that it is precision drilled and the soil is suitable fertile. The main benefit of fodder beet compared to other forage options is the ability to control weeds through herbicides. Effective and early weed control is essential to maintain a clean crop and achieve the full yield potential. The crop should be regularly monitored for any pests. Fodder beet can be lifted or grazed in situ with some machines lifting by the roots or alternatively by the leaves. There are a range of different dry matter varieties available, and care should be taken to select the right one with harvesting method and grazing period considered.
