NORTH & EAST OTAGO FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 31 2015
FARMING FOR PROFIT
MARCH 31 2015 NORTH & EAST OTAGO
— TOPICS & SPEAKERS — Fodder beet
Questions on agronomy,
transition and management
Jim Gibbs, Lincoln University fodder
beet guru and vet
Liam Donnelly, Seedforce
agronomist
Your questions answered
Jim Gibbs from Lincoln University teamed up with Seedforce
agrinomist Liam Donnelly at the North and East Otago
field day at Middlemarch. With the large area of fodderbeet
grown by new growers and the prospect of farmers wanting
to begin feeding earlier in the autumn/winter as a result of
the drought there was a range of questions that farmers
were keen to hear about.
— CONTACT—
Facilitators
Richard and Jacqui Robinson
03 693 9077
[email protected]
Extension Manager
Angela Stead
03 686 9877 or 027 801 4758
[email protected]
A very good example of how the transition crop (50m on the long side) can be
grown alongside the fodderbeet. Note the excellent shelter to the south side
allowing the animals to be less affected by cold weather.
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NORTH & EAST OTAGO FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 31 2015
Agronomy questions
How much more fodder beet can I expect to grow if the
drought breaks tomorrow and we go back to normal
rainfall?
About 5 tonnes DM. Fodder Beet with no stress can grow
at 150-200kgDM/ha/day at peak but as days get shorter
and colder, this will become a lot slower.
How much if it continues to be dry?
Generally depends on how drought stressed the crop
is now. Crops that have established well have generally
proven to be more tolerant of dry conditions but fodder
beet is not regarded as a drought tolerant crop.
Is there likely to be a strong response to Nitrogen?
There has not been much work on the fertility
requirements of beet done in the past and this is an
area that is not completely understood. Pale leaves
may indicate a deficiency in Nitrogen but could also
indicate shortages of Sulphur, Potassium or Sodium. Leaf
analysis can be done to check on the nutrient status of
pale leaves in crops. Generally the beet do not have an
excessive requirement for Nitrogen but do respond to
early dressings prior to sowing and in the early stages
of growth.
What is the plant’s requirements for fertiliser? Should I
use a Fodderbeet fertiliser mix?
As already stated this is an area that hasn’t had a lot of
research done on it . Generally it is best to go with the
guidelines of agronomists experienced in growing heavy
crops of FB until more information is available. Significant
potassium and sodium inputs in growing big crops is a
current feature of leading best practice FB growers
How do I measure the yield?
This is a critical part of both management of the
transitioning animal and ensuring a fair price is paid
for a crop sold. Generally, when estimating yields it
is worthwhile to use an experienced, independent,
yield estimator. To achieve an accurate estimation, it
is necessary to take a number of samples across the
paddock using random sampling. Generally it is difficult
to be very accurate with the estimate of yield. Ideally
sampling would be done on every hectare to get the
most accurate result. Samples should be taken to send
away to test for quality and Dry Matter % of the bulb
and the leaf section of the crop. Do not estimate this
as an underestimation of yield or DM% can result in
over-allocation of feed and resulting animal health
problems. It is better to send away the whole bulb and
top for testing. If the bulb is cut before sending then cut
longitudinal segments. Do not sample the bulb using a
cross sectional cut.
Transition is a vital part of the management of the crop
and this requires an accurate estimation of the crop where
the animal is about to graze. Treat the crop as being in
5T/ha weight bands (eg 20-25TDM/ha) and then make
the feeding assumptions based on the larger figure (eg
25TDM/ha).
What weed and pest problems are there?
Like any crop, attention to weeds, pests and disease is
important especially in the early stages of establishment.
Fathen has been a real challenge in many crops this year.
Use an experienced agronomist to help with advice,
monitor the crop closely especially in the first 8 weeks
and treat early when identified. A fallow after kale for at
least 2 months is a good idea and fallowing is always a
good option in dryland crops. Pre sowing it is important to
know the paddock history as there can be problems with
using chemicals for other crops that impact on the fodder
beet when it is sown. If there is a risk of failure in a crop
because of the presence of antagonistic sprays in the soil,
it is better to delay sowing the beet in that paddock until
the risk is ended. There are a number of commonly used
sprays that need a break of at least a year before FB is
sown (eg Harmony, Granstar, TMax and others)
Do fodder beet respond to sheltered paddocks?
Yes. When growing in paddocks with poor shelter, there
is a new technique being trialled that uses a cover crop
of cereal that is established at the same time as the beet
to give it shelter early. This is then sprayed out before it
begins to compete with the beet for light or moisture.
Are bolters important to control?
There are two opposing viewpoints about the need
for this. One suggests that the bolters occupy a very
small proportion of the total crop and while they are
visually dramatic they have a very minor impact on the
total production. The other view is that not controlling
bolters contributes to a lot more potential unwanted
plants germinating in subsequent years and if these are
excessive, they can have an effect on nearby crops of the
beet family (cross-pollination) and may limit the future use
of that paddock for growing beet while that seed remains
viable. At this stage no fodder beet is grown commercially
for seed in NZ.
What yield should I be able to achieve in a normal year?
This is obviously very dependent on the location, weather
conditions, natural fertility, weed and pest control and
moisture availability. Generally at least 20T and ranging up
to 35-40T in a few outstanding crops.
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NORTH & EAST OTAGO FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 31 2015
Transition questions
Management questions
What causes transition problems?
When sowing the paddock the animals will be
transitioned onto, it is worthwhile to sow the headland
with another crop along the long side to allow enough
area for the animals to stand when introduced to the FB?
Impatience! Generally transition problems occur as a
result of the transition process being shortened because
the animals seemed to “be OK”. With cattle, there is a
substantial risk of acidosis, rumen degradation or the
animal simply refusing to eat FB if the transition to adlib intake is shortened. Do not introduce hungry cattle
onto FB as their tendency to ‘scoff’ the crop means that
acidosis problems can occur. Feed the straw three hours
before the FB and when transitioning, feed any other
supplement required ahead of the FB too.
The transition programme developed at Lincoln University
through the DairyNZ FB project has been in widespread
use across NewZealand for several years, and has proved
successful and practical. The cows start with 1-2kg DM
FB allocated behind a wire on day 1, then increase 1kg
DM every second day for 14 days – about 9-10kg DM. The
supplement inputs are 8kg DM on day 1, dropping to 4kg
by day 14, then 2-3kg at day 21 and thereafter. From day
21, the break line is then moved a little each day until the
cows leave FB behind to achieve ad libitum intake. That
programme is the same for R2 heifers, who typically eat
a maximum of 8-9kg DM FB. The R1 calves can be readily
fed on FB, the only change from adult stock being the
protein content of the supplement is required to be higher
than that of the crop, so grass silage is usual, and the
allocation. The calves start on 1kg DM FB to start and then
0.5kg DM FB increases every second or third day for 14
days, then after 21 days ad libitum feeding, which is often
4-5kg DM FB.
How long does transition take?
At least 14 days for cattle and a few days for sheep.
How can I limit the break sizes for transitioning stock?
The most important thing is to ensure that the animals are
only offered their ration for that day. Problems can arise
when they suddenly start eating more FB and eat the left
over crop from previous days as well as that day’s ration.
Recalculate the break sizes daily, taking into consideration
all the crop being offered. Have electric fences that “glow
in the dark”. Monitor the animals to ensure that none
are challenging the break fence. Ensure that the animals
cannot reach under the fence and access feed that has not
been included in that day’s ration.
Do I need to do anything different with sheep when they
transition?
Transition for sheep is much easier than cattle and can be
achieved by introducing the animals slowly to increasing
amounts of FB. Some form of fibre (straw, silage or
pasture) is required. All animals need to be fully protected
with 5in1 vaccination before they graze FB.
If this is Italian Ryegrass or something similar, it can
be used to take silage from to help when transitioning
animals. If this is not able to be done, an area can be
cleared by mechanically scooping up the FB with a front
end loader and heaping it up in a corner of the paddock,
fencing it off and then feeding it out later once the animals
have fully transitioned onto the crop.
There are few animal health problems with FB once the
transition period is finished. Sheep definitely need to
have full 5in1 protection and for the minimal cost this
is a good idea for cattle too. Dairy cows occasionally
may suffer from Phosphate deficiency. This will show as
something called ‘creeper cows’. When treated they will
respond to a metabolic bag and then fall down again.
It only occasionally is a problem and is not completely
understood why it is a problem on some properties but
not others. Prevention is by supplementing with 50g of
DiCalcic Phosphate fertiliser/cow/day on the straw that is
being fed.
Deer don’t need as much supplement as other stock.
Sheep are best suited to the Brigadier variety as quite a lot
of the crop is out of the ground. Some other varieties are
not as palatable or as easily harvested. If a variety is not as
palatable for sheep, they do not tend to eat down into the
bulb as much. Following up with transitioned cattle can
result in good utilization of the whole crop.
As the bulb does not have much protein, sheep will
suffer from too little protein if they are given large breaks
because they will tend to eat the leaf first. 2 day breaks are
best.
When targeting weeds, a high water rate with the spray is
important. 250l/ha minimum. This allows an even coverage
of the leaf and better uptake of the chemical.
After pugging when coming out of the winter, deep
ripping is best to allow the structure to recover. Do not
allow the pugged soil to dry out before cultivation, as it will
be very difficult to break down any clods that are formed.
Strip tillage may have a future role in seedbed preparation
for FB (especially in windy situations or to reduce the
strike of weeds) but direct drilling and using conventional
drills instead of precision drills invariably results in a poorer
yield. Attempting to save money in this way is unwise and
the best way to reduce costs/kgDM is to target growing a
bigger crop.
Sponsors
Many thanks to Rabobank and Farmlands Coperative
for their support of this event.
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SOUTH CANTERBURY FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 20 2015
Seed
Force
100% researched.
fodder beet dry matter sampling protocol
the power to grow
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SOUTH CANTERBURY FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 20 2015
Seed
Force
100% researched.
fodder beet dry matter sampling protocol
Step 2: select plants
Take 2 plants from the sampled area, one large,
and one small. Remove all soil from the bulb
using a brush and/or a rag.
Step 3: separate BULB and LEAF
Cut off the leaf fraction of both bulbs.
(Make sure not to include the crown in this fraction).
DO NOT SEND DIRTY SAMPLES, ENSURE PLANTS ARE
CLEAN BEFORE SUB SAMPLING AND SENDING
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SOUTH CANTERBURY FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 20 2015
Seed
Force
100% researched.
fodder beet dry matter sampling protocol
Step 2: select plants
Take 2 plants from the sampled area, one large,
and one small. Remove all soil from the bulb
using a brush and/or a rag.
Step 3: separate BULB and LEAF
Cut off the leaf fraction of both bulbs.
(Make sure not to include the crown in this fraction).
DO NOT SEND DIRTY SAMPLES, ENSURE PLANTS ARE
CLEAN BEFORE SUB SAMPLING AND SENDING
the power to grow
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SOUTH CANTERBURY FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 20 2015
Seed
Force
100% researched.
fodder beet dry matter sampling protocol
Step 4: sub-sampling the LEAF FRACTION
Mix the leaf fraction of both
Mix the leaf fraction of both
plants and take a sub-sample
of 1/3 of this (less than 500g).
Keep work space and sample
clean.
Tare the scales with the bag
you will put the leaf sample
into.
Weigh the sub sample. This
sub-sample MUST be less
than 500 grams.
Include:
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
6.)
Fill out crop information on bag
tag.
Your name, email address
Farm name/Paddock number
Variety
Fraction
Date harvested
Sample fresh weight
(excluding bag weight)
YOU MUST WEIGH YOUR SUB-SAMPLES WITHIN AN
HOUR OF PULLING THE PLANTS
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SOUTH CANTERBURY FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 20 2015
Seed
Force
100% researched.
fodder beet dry matter sampling protocol
Step 5: sub-sampling the BULB FRACTION
Cut the bulb in half lengthways
and then cut one half again so
you have quarters. Keep work
space and sample clean. (Half
quarter again if bulb is large).
Cut this quarter (or eighth) into
2cm chunks. Use all chunks for
sample. This sub-sample MUST
be less than 500 grams.
Tare the scales with the bag
you will put the bulb sample
into.
Include:
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
6.)
Weigh the sub sample. This
sub-sample MUST be less than
500 grams.
Fill out crop information on bag
tag.
Your name, email address
Farm name/Paddock number
Variety
Fraction
Date harvested
Sample fresh weight
(excluding bag weight)
YOU MUST WEIGH YOUR SUB-SAMPLES WITHIN AN
HOUR OF PULLING THE PLANTS
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SOUTH CANTERBURY FODDER BEET FARMING FOR PROFIT NEWSLETTER | MARCH 20 2015
Seed
Force
100% researched.
fodder beet dry matter sampling protocol
Step 6: calculating the crop yield
The weights recoreded for each sample taken in Step 1 will be used to determine crop yield.
For each sample, you should have:

total beet weight (excluding bag):...............................................

bulb weight (leaves removed):....................................................

calculated leaf weight:................................................................
Once dry matter results are received form your prefered labratory:

record the tested bulb dry matter:..............................................

multiply the bulb weight recorded in the paddock, by the bulb dry matter as a decimal (e.g. 17% is 0.17):
...................................................................................................

record the tested leaf dry matter:...............................................

multiply the leaf weight recorded in the paddock, by the leaf dry matter as a decimal (e.g. 12% is 0.12):
...................................................................................................
This will give you the total dry matter present for the 1m2 equivalent area harvested. Multiply this by 10,000 to
obtain the yield of each fraction per hectare. Combine results for total yield. For multiple cuts, add all the totals
together and divide by the number of samples taken for an average yield for the paddock sampled.
‘‘WhileSeedForcemakesalleffortstoprovidecompleteandaccurateinformation based on what
it believes to be sound technical knowledge no representations or warranties either express or
implied, of merchantability, fitness or particular purpose or of any other nature are given. Seed
Force expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use of, reference to or
reliance upon the information”.
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