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'Field beans always fit into the crop plan'
Over the past ten years, livestock farmers in the Netherlands have gained experience with field beans as a source of concentrated feed. Cultivation is not easy, but the feeding experiences are very good.
With an average of 300 grams of crude protein and 400 grams of starch, the field bean a high-quality source of concentrated feed in the ration of dairy cattle and poultry. Dairy farmers note that bean meal is a very calm feed that is easy to incorporate into the ration.
Joris and Anita Buijs have over twenty years of experience with concentrate cultivation in the ration. In the video Joris tells about his experiences with field beans (from minute 1:53)
The papilionaceous field bean provides a high-quality concentrated feed for dairy cattle, rich in protein and starch. The cultivation also counts as an eco-regulation in the new CAP, with a high score of points and value. Field beans are also a permitted rest crop.
Field beans are by far the most suitable crop for concentrate cultivation in the Netherlands. A successful cultivation yields 5 to 8 tons of beans, with good nutritional values of 270 – 320 grams RE, 350 – 400 grams starch and 1.050 to 1.200 VEM/kg ds.
The benefits of field beans in the ration:
- High-quality concentrate feed substitute in the ration with a lot of protein and starch
- Perfect pre-crop for grassland, among other things: harvest early September, good rooting and high N delivery
- Significant savings on feed costs possible
- Contributes to higher premium within the new CAP
Sowing time for summer field beans
Currently, the conditions are perfect for sowing summer field beans. Sow the beans on well-moisturised soil, with a good structure and a pH of at least 6 on clay and 5,4 on sand. Field beans bind nitrogen from the air themselves, but they do need sufficient phosphate and potassium.
You can read all cultivation instructions in our whitepaper >>
The varieties LG Cartouche, LG Banquise and the new LG Viper guarantee a high protein yield and harvest security. LG field bean seed is packed in units, sow 13 units per hectare.
Collaboration with arable farmers
Successful field bean cultivation requires a good soil structure, weed control and crop protection. Collaboration with arable farmers can therefore be interesting. In the crop plan, the field bean is a nice dormant crop that fixes nitrogen itself and leaves behind a very nice, early stubble.
Crop care
To achieve a high grain yield it is important to keep the crop healthy. Monitor the crop closely in consultation with a cultivation advisor. Pay particular attention to infestation of chocolate spots, rust, lice and leaf edge or bean beetles.
Want to know more about field beans? Check out our website or ask your cultivation specialist for customized advice >
