Better fodder beet means higher yields

High-performing fodder beet is helping farmers to produce extra dry matter yields.

Fodder beet varieties Robbos and Blizzard produced an extra 1.2t/ha of dry matter yield compared to Kyros, claims an analysis by Limagrain UK.

The company analysed trials data spanning 10 years.

The extra energy gained from the higher yield afforded by Robbos and Blizzard was worth £160/ha, said Limagrain’s Martin Titley.

“There is no national list or independent trials programme for fodder beet in the UK, so Limagrain carry out a variety trial each year to provide performance data from which farmers can evaluate which varieties are best to grow.”

Fodder beet had risen in popularity over the past two years, said Mr Titley.

It was high in sugars, very palatable and therefore an excellent feed ingredient to balance high starch rations, he added.