United Kingdom
July 5, 2018
Unprecedented weather conditions this year have created a potential fodder shortage. While conditions continue to be difficult, there are still some options farmers can use to help alleviate deficits.
It is important to remember that earlier sowing will increase the yield potential of these crops as they need good weather conditions at and after sowing to maximise their potential. The crops listed below have the ability to produce tonnes of dry matter in the short term. This is likely to be valuable where fodder is scarce.
A 2Ha crop yielding 6t DM/ha should keep 50 weanlings for 53 days.
Redstart Hybrid Brassica
Redstart Hybrid Brassica has the potential to yield 6t DM/ha when sown in early August. This can be grazed in situ or baled and fed out. Redstart is suitable for feeding dry cows, replacement heifers, weanlings and store cattle. This is a brassica so advice pertinent to feeding brassicas applies here. This would be an appropriate choice for maximising yield, when a reseed is planned next year or as a catch crop after cereals.
Variety of choice – Redstart
Hybrid Ryegrass
This wouldn’t have the same short term yield potential as hybrid brassica, but has a couple of potential benefits. There will be the potential for extra grazing in the spring, and in the context of building fodder stocks on farms in the next couple of years, this crop which has the potential to yield 16t DM/ha, could play an important role. It is important to use varieties with good quality. There are debatable economies when sown as a catch crop, but where fodder is scarce this should be considered.
Varieties of choice – AberEve and AberEcho
Forage Rape
Sown in early/mid–August, this crop has the potential to yield 5t DM/ha. This can be grazed in–situ or baled. These are a brassica therefore crop and livestock management should reflect this. Not a difficult crop to grow and a suitable option as a catch crop or in a field targeted for reseeding.
Variety of choice – Stego
Stubble Turnips
Stubble turnips sown in early August have the potential to yield 5t DM/ha. They are not as winter hardy as the hybrid brassica and are only suitable for grazing in situ. They are a brassica and best practice for such is recommended.
Variety of choice – Appin
Italian Ryegrass
Very similar profile to Hybrid Ryegrass, similar short term yield but less longevity than the hybrids with potential quality issues.
Variety of choice – Barextra
Westerwolds Ryegrass
This is an annual form of Italian Ryegrass. It only grows for one year, so not as suitable where the intention is to build forage stocks long term. Short term will deliver yields similar to hybrid ryegrass.
Variety of choice – Bartiga
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