Boost performance and Sustainability with Fodder Beet

In association with RAGT

1505Bv fodder beet from RAGT New Zealand has proven to be an excellent solution for Blair Butler's farming system in the Wendon Valley, Southland. It offers economically sound, high quality feed with strong environmental benefits when compared to other options. 

Blair grows 1505Bv every year to fatten heifers, ensuring they achieve optimal liveweight by their second winter and meet market demands by spring. The superior nutritional value of 1505Bv fodder beet enables significant liveweight gain during winter, surpassing that of other crops, such as kale and swedes. Consistently, the target liveweight of 550–600kg is achieved, with animals reliably reaching a carcass weight of approximately 270kg. Throughout the year, RAGT and Farmlands TFO Jess Peter provide Blair with support, overseeing the crop's input requirements, particularly the spray program and timing. His 1505Bv beet comes at a relatively low cost, with minimal nitrogen input and effective fungicide application, yielding over 22 tonnes p/ha. Its cost efficiency and high-quality feed, offering 12.5ME, make it a superior choice when compared on a c/kg DM basis.

1505Bv perfectly aligns with Blair's farm system needs, with excellent yields and a medium DM% bulb ideal for second-year animals. Blair has observed that the leaf of 1505Bv stays exceptionally green, providing essential protein to the animals, while other beet paddocks appear to yellow off a lot more. Given the farm's rolling hill terrain, space for winter crops is limited. For Blair, using beet is a clear choice; in contrast, kale would require a larger planting area and higher nitrogen application. With 1505Bv fodder beet offering a very high yield with relatively low nitrogen inputs compared to brassicas like kale, there is potentially significantly less nitrogen lost – a significant win for both the environment and profitability. It also provides the opportunity to maintain other areas in pasture, further adding to the financial benefits for the farm.

Integrating beet into Blair's rotation after swedes, followed by young grass, enhances the system's efficiency. Fodder beet's extended high-quality feed availability into late winter relieves pressure on early spring grass, which is in high demand for ewes at lambing. Additionally, its high yield potential helps offset yield losses in swedes, which can be a common problem. The integration of 1505Bv fodder beet from RAGT New Zealand has enhanced Blair's farming system, offering economically sound, high-quality feed with strong environmental benefits. Its exceptional nutritional value, low nitrogen input requirements, and high yields make it a superior choice, enhancing both profitability and sustainability.