Forage Crops

The recent increase in raw material costs and the corresponding rise in the price of purchased feed has once again highlighted the value of producing as much home-grown feed as possible. We market a range of crops under the new LG brand name and each one can help you reduce your reliance on bought-in feed. We strongly recommend that all livestock farmers take a look at the various options which are open to them so that they are well placed to weather all the challenges which lie ahead.

By growing forage crops you will automatically benefit from a number of other factors. For example, mixed forage diets will help to increase animal intakes, ensure optimum rumen stability and improve feed utilisation. As a result of this livestock performance should increase – either by boosting milk production or through enhanced liveweight gains. It is also worth remembering that by growing more forage on your own land you will enhance the ‘traceability’ of the feed material you are using.

If you plan to make more of forage crops then one of the crucial decisions you will need to take is to decide how long the desired crop will be in the ground.

We offer a range of fast growing CATCH CROPS which can often be ready for utilisation within 8-10 weeks from sowing. Crops in this category include forage rye, stubble turnips, forage rape and peas.

If there is time within the available production cycle to grow a full season crop then you can consider options like fodder beet, swedes and kale. We characterise these high yielding forages as MAIN CROPS and, just as with Catch Crops, more details will be found by clicking on the drop–down menu at the top of this page and navigating to the appropriate section.

We also offer a number of MULTI-SEASON CROPS which, when correctly established, have the ability to deliver an outstanding production potential over several years. Crops in this category include lucerne (which has the added benefit of nitrogen fixation) and red clover.