Planning ahead: fodder beet for autumn feed

Coming out of winter, many farmers are taking stock of how their system performed. Reviewing feed supply through to cow condition and what they might do differently next season.

For North Canterbury farmers Mike and Anne Prattley, fodder beet has become part of how they manage autumn feed pressure, grown on both their milking platform and wintering blocks.

“We were looking for something that could help shift feed from spring into autumn,” Mike says. “Fodder beet has given us another option, particularly when pasture alone isn’t enough.”
 

Fitting into the system 

On the Prattley farm, fodder beet is mainly used during autumn lactation. Cows are introduced gradually while still fully fed on pasture, helping reduce transition risks and maintain intakes.

“It also gives us the chance to get cows accustomed to it before winter,” Mike says.

The crop provides a high-energy feed source, which can support milk production late in the season and help cows gain condition. However, it still needs to be part of a balanced diet.

“You’ve got to get the mix right — it’s not a complete feed on its own.”
 

What’s working on farm

One of the main reasons the Prattleys continue to use fodder beet is the amount of feed they can grow from a relatively small area, along with the flexibility it gives them later in the season.

Crops on their milking platform are typically around 25 tonnes of dry matter per hectare. That means more feed from less land, helping free up pasture for silage or grazing.

It has also helped them manage feed supply across the season.

“It lets us move some of that spring surplus into autumn when we need it more,” Mike says.

If crops perform well, they have options — grazing through winter or lifting and feeding out later, depending on conditions.
 

Cost, efficiency and environmental considerations

As with any feed, the economics and environmental outcomes depend on how well the crop performs and how it fits within the wider farm system.

Fodder beet is a high-energy, low nitrogen crop. In well-managed systems, this can help improve how efficiently feed is used and may help reduce nitrogen losses compared with some other wintering or supplementary feed options.

Where it replaces imported supplements, there can also be advantages in growing and feeding feed on-farm, particularly where it improves overall system efficiency and reduces reliance on brought-in feed.

For the Prattleys, fodder beet has reduced the need for purchased supplements.

“It’s worked out cheaper than bringing in feed like PKE for us,” Mike says. “But you’ve got to grow it well and manage it properly.”
 

What to watch

Fodder beet can work well, but it does require careful management.

Transitioning stock too quickly can increase the risk of acidosis, so a gradual introduction alongside pasture is important. Because the crop is high in energy but low in fibre and protein, diets also need to be balanced.

As with any crop, results will vary depending on soil type, climate and management. It’s important to consider how it fits within your system before making changes.
 

Where it fits

For farmers challenged with autumn feed pressure or looking to reduce reliance on imported supplements, fodder beet is one option that’s working well in some systems, particularly where it’s carefully managed and fits within the overall farm plan.

“It works for us,” Mike says. “But like anything, you’ve got to make it fit your system.”
 

Looking to explore feed options?

If you’re considering fodder beet as part of your system, talk to your local Farm Source team or trusted advisor. They can help you understand what’s involved and whether it’s the right fit for your farm.
 

Article supplied by RAGT