FODDER BEET TRIAL
In 2008, after a break of several years, one of the UK’s largest seed companies took the decision to initiate a set of independent fodder beet trials in this country. Martin Titley, Forage Crop Marketing Manager with Limagrain UK, takes up the story.
“With the renewed interest that farmers are showing in this particular crop and the release of a number of new varieties this new initiative could not have come at a more opportune time for the livestock industry.”
Mr Titley says that the trial, which was sown in April last year on a commercial farm near the Humber Bridge, was subsequently harvested on 17th October. All nine varieties in the trial were evaluated for a number of critical characteristics including foliar diseases, bolting resistance and the percentage of the root in the ground. The roots were lifted by hand to ensure the maximum accuracy of the results for fresh and dry matter yield.
After the harvesting operation all the varieties are sampled to facilitate several key laboratory evaluations which include individual sugar and starch levels.
“We have not yet published all the final results from this trial but we are confident enough to say at this stage that the varieties Blaze and Robbos have done particularly well in terms of total fresh yield. Ribondo, a new variety which will be launched this spring, has also delivered a good set of yield figures – and is particularly noteworthy as it is one of the first fodder beet varieties with resistance to Rhizomania,” explained Mr Titley.
The company points out that fodder beet is currently attracting more interest because livestock farmers are appreciating the value of having a crop which can yield around 90 tonnes/ha of fresh weight. In addition fodder beet roots are very palatable and are suitable for dairy, beef or sheep units.
“It is also worth stressing that the tops can be fully utilised - which further enhances the financial value of the crop. For example, there is a local farmer who is currently running his sheep over the fodder beet tops which were left on the ground after his contractor harvested the roots,” points out Mr Titley.
Livestock farmers who would like to know more about fodder beet and how to grow it should contact Limagrain UK by e-mail (info@limagrain.co.uk) to request a copy of the newly issued Profit from Forage Crops handbook. This features husbandry and varietal information on fodder beet – and several other valuable crops all designed to maximise the output of home-grown feed.
