Spring sown forage options 

As we head into spring, it’s a good time of year to look at some home grown forage options. 

Maize  

Maize is a high starch, high energy feed, that can fit into arable rotations – even offering the possibility of a break crop. It is very palatable and can increase voluntary intakes.  

  • Sown at approx. 110,000 seeds / ha  

 

Fodder beet 

Sown between March and April, fodder beet offers a palatable, high energy feed. This makes it a suitable alternative to cereal grains in a ration, as it is lover in protein than other root crops. They are flexible in use, either being grazed in field or lifted and stored. It is a high yielding crop with over 80t/ha fresh weight.  

  • Sown at 100,000 seeds / ha 

 

Kale 

Kale can be sown as early as April, to offer a summer buffer feed for cattle. Its flexible sowing period means that it can be used as an outwintering feed as well. It is a high protein content and has a high digestibility value. 

  • Sown at 5kg /ha  

 

Arable Silage mixes  

These silage mixes provide a useful feed source, usually utilising a cereal and a legume. Quick growing, they can be ready to harvest withing 14-16 weeks of planting. In situations where an autumn crop needs to be established, these silage mixes can offer an earlier harvest option to maize. The mixes are typically comprised of pea/barley or pea/oat. Including the legume in the mix aids nitrogen fixation and adds protein to the feed. The cereal element adds starch to the ration.  

  • Sown at 185kg /ha when sown alone  

 

Lucerne  

A high protein legume, lucerne is a forage crop that can be sown from April through to the summer. It can be cut multiple times in a year for silage, providing a high yielding forage. Site and seed inoculation are important considerations to ensure a quality crop is produced.  

  • Sown at 25kg /ha as a pure stand  

 

Grass 

A staple in most feed rations, grass is a great option – either as fresh grazed grass or conserved into hay, haylage or silage.  There can be many variations of what is included in a mix, from pure ryegrass stands to more diverse herbal leys. As a crop, it boasts high protein and versatility.  

  • Sown at 30-35kg /ha 

Want to find out more about our options, or have an agronomy question? Call our team of experts today: 01243 784171

Agronomy, Seed, FeedBartholomewsForage crops, Maize, Fodder, Fodder beet, Kale, Silage, Silage mixes, Lucerne, Grass, Grassland