Fodder beet can be a useful spring sown forage crop, providing high fresh and dry matter yields. With a typical crude protein content of 12-13%, and 13 Mj/kg DM, it delivers a balanced feed of protein and energy.

Whilst fodder beet is a good feed, it also has the flexibility  to either be grazed in the field or harvested and stored. With the ability of growing in most locations, except heavy or waterlogged soils.

Ideally drilled in March or April, ready to be utilised in October or November.

As with other grazing forage crops, a transition period will be required, as well as a run back area to provide fibre.

From Figure 1, there is a direct link between dry matter content of the root and the amount of root in the ground.

These deeper rooting varieties (with more than 70% of the root in the ground) are more suited to being harvested and lifted. This maximises feed value.

The shallower rooting varieties (with a 50-60% of the root in the ground) can be used for either lifting or grazing in the field. Varieties with the high dry matter yields tend to have the ‘dirtier’ roots, whereas the lower dry matter varies, such as Robbos and blaze are cleaner.

Key Points for Varieties

Magnum
A well-known reliable variety

• A popular white-root variety

• Even white root size

• High dry matter content: 19-20%

• High yields

• A consistent, reliable variety

• Good resistance to rust

Enermax
A dual purpose variety

• An excellent dual-purpose variety

• Smooth, clean white roots

• High dry matter content

• 9% higher root yield, compared to Magnum

• Ideal for both forage and biogas production

• Good disease resistance

Bangor
Proven performer

• High yields

• Yellow root with 17-18% dry matter

• Most of the root above ground

• Smooth, clean roots

• Easily lifted on all soil types

Brick

High dry matter yields with the ability to be harvested & stored later

·         White Root

·         High DM yields

·         Clean roots

·         Rhizomania tolerant

Fosyma

High yields from clean roots

·         Conical shaped pink root

·         Good tolerance to bolting

·         Lifted or grazed in situ

·         Easy utilisation, with 40% root out of the ground

Robbos

Consistent performer

·         High DM yields

·         Medium DM content

·         Ideal for first time growers

·         Yellow root

·         Easy to harvest

Blaze

Clean red roots

·         Can be fed whole or chopped

·         Low dirt contamination

·         Medium DM content

Blizzard

High dry matter content with the ability to be harvested later

·         Can be harvest with sugar beet machinery

·         High DM content

·         Flexible harvest

·         Can be use for biogas production

Feldherr

Huge fresh yield with a low dry matter content

·         Orange root, with 505 out of the ground

·         Large leaved

·         Low DM content

Tadorne

Proven biogas performance

·         White root

·         High DM content

·         Can be stored for longer periods

·         Flexible harvest