Dairy
Fodder beet is one of the best value for money feeds per unit of energy (1 UFL/DM) available to dairy farmers across the country.
Tillage
Co Kilkenny tillage farmer, Edward Delahunty, is confirming that fodder beet will be available over the coming days at around €70/t
Weather permitting, forage maize crops grown under plastic in the Kilkenny area will be harvested next week.
Co Kilkenny cereal grower, Edward Delahunty, is predicting that the 2025 winter barley harvest will kick-off at the end of June.
Teagasc is reporting that damage has been caused to fodder beet crops by flea beetles. Leather jackets have also created problems
Despite predictions to the contrary, made some weeks ago, very little tillage ground has been left fallow in Ireland this year.
Significant numbers of tillage farmers may well seek to grow forage crops as part of their spring planting mix in 2024.
Planning for the tillage year ahead is an obvious priority at this time for those farmers committed to growing crops
Teagasc is confirming that 2023 will be a good year for Irish fodder beet growers. This is assuming they can get the harvest over the line.
Tillage Technical
Similar to maize, it is expected that the area of fodder beet will be maintained at its current level of approximately 9,000ha in 2023.
Teagasc soil specialist David Law has dispelled the old myth that spreading lime on conacre ground cannot be justified on economic terms.
Sowing beet will be on many people's minds over the coming days and weeks. There are many varieties that can suit different uses.
Agri-Business
A large percentage of Ireland's fodder beet is grown in Leinster and Munster, the highest proportion of it being grown in the south-east.
Beef
When it comes to beet varieties a lot of growers are loyal to what they know. Varieties like Magnum and Enermax have become staples.
Fodder beet prices in the Laois/Kildare area are reported at €55/t in some cases. Conditions have been ideal for harvest up to now.
Beet is plentiful at the minute, as farmers continue to pull crops from the ground. Dry weather has resulted in clean crops.
Video
Crops-Watch Why are split spray applications so important for fodder beet?
This year’s fodder beet harvest should get underway in earnest over the coming days
There are a number of alternative feed sources available, but Irish farmers must be aware of each feed sources cost.
