Forage Crops

Any increases in raw material costs and the corresponding rise in the price of purchased feed always highlights the value of producing as much home-grown feed as possible. We market a range of crops under the LG brand name and each one can help you reduce your reliance on bought-in feed. We strongly recommend that all livestock farmers take a look at the various options which are open to them so that they are well placed to weather all the challenges which lie ahead.

By growing forage crops you will automatically benefit from a number of other factors. For example, mixed forage diets will help to increase animal intakes, ensure optimum rumen stability and improve feed utilisation. As a result of this, livestock performance should increase - either by boosting milk production or through enhanced liveweight gains. It is also worth remembering that by growing more forage on your own land you will enhance the ‘traceability' of the feed material you are using.

If you plan to make more of forage crops then one of the crucial decisions you will need to take is to decide how long the desired crop will be in the ground.

We offer a range of fast growing CATCH CROPS which can often be ready for utilisation within 8-10 weeks from sowing. Crops in this category include forage rye, stubble turnips, forage rape and peas.

If there is time within the available production cycle to grow a full season crop then you can consider options like fodder beet, swedes and kale. We characterise these high yielding forages as MAIN CROPS.

We also offer a number of MULTI-SEASON CROPS which, when correctly established, have the ability to deliver an outstanding production potential over several years. Crops in this category include lucerne (which has the added benefit of nitrogen fixation) and red clover.

We have published 3 leaflets covering fodder crops for dairy, beef or sheep. You can view these on-line or download them for future reference - just click on the appropriate button at the top of this page.

In addition we have a 28 page guide to all the key forage crops grown in the UK.  The booklet contains valuable information on the husbandry of the various crops as well as key variety data.  You can download a copy from this page (click on the Forage Crops Guide pdf above).  We can also supply hard copies of this publication.

We have recently published a series of LG Factfile sheets which all provide valuable data on the subject of forage crops.  The current list is as follows:

Factfile 1 - Kingshay Forage Costings
Factfile 2 - Crop Rotation Guide
Factfile 3 - Forage Crop Summary
Factfile 4 - Sowing Rates
Factfile 5 - Herbicide Guidelines - Gamecover
Factfile 6 - Forage Crop Planner

If you would like copies of any of these then please email us ( info@limagrain.co.uk ) and we will send you the appropriate pdf file.