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More milk money and lower feed costs
In the past six years, the acreage of fodder beet in our country has increased from 400 to 3.000 hectares. For most livestock farmers who start with this tasty fodder, it is a permanent product. They notice that more milk money can be earned with lower feed costs.
A successful plot fodder beets yields more than 100 to more than 150 tons of fresh beets, with a feed value of 1.100 VEM/kg dm. Fresh beets are an asset to the ration:
- Tasty, fresh feed increases the roughage intake and thus the energy supply of the cow
- The cattle remain healthier, in better condition and produce more milk fat and protein
The very high digestibility of >90% VCOS and the sugar provide an even energy to the rumen micro-organisms. The structure value lies between roughage and concentrate, so the beet still ensures safe digestion and rumination.
Few hectares required
You can feed fresh fodder beets up to and including March. A few hectares already yields more than enough fodder beet on most farms. The cultivation does require the necessary attention. Working together or outsourcing to a contractor or arable farmer with experience with sugar beets can therefore be interesting.
Choose classic fodder beets
Due to the increasing interest, the range of fodder beet varieties has also grown. We recommend opting for the classic fodder beets, which are characterized by their smooth shape, good storability and lower sugar content. View the recommended varieties >
Suitable plot
Successful fodder beet cultivation starts with a suitable plot. The pH should not be too low: the advice is at least 5,6 on sand and 6,5 on clay. The plot must also be suitable for a harvest later in the autumn.
Other points for attention are the labor involved in feeding and the space in the yard: sufficient storage space is required for a pile of freshly lifted beets.
Curious about fodder beets?
- Download the fodder beet whitepaper with all information about cultivation, storage and feeding
- Read experiences of other livestock farmers
- Ask your roughage specialist for personal advice without obligation
