Top three things to consider when selecting forage crops

Top three things to consider when selecting forage crops

With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, planning ahead to ensure you have a reliable, homegrown feed source is important. Forage crops offer a cost-effective way to supplement livestock rations when fodder may be scarce, whether during dry summer spells or the colder winter months. 

Beyond their nutritional value, forage crops can also deliver rotational benefits. Grazing crops in situ helps return organic matter to the soil, improves soil structure and leaves behind a nutrient-rich seedbed for the following crop in the rotation. 

As more farmers looks to reduce reliance on bought-in feed and increase forage self-sufficiency, selecting and managing the correct forage crop is very important. 

In this article, Small Seeds Manager Alasdair Ralston, outlines his top three considerations when selecting forage crops.

1. Soil type

Not every forage crop suits every farm. Soil type and drainage vary from farm to farm and will influence which crops are viable options.

Most forage crops can be grown across a wide range of soil types, but they are best suited to light to medium, free draining soil that can be worked into a fine, firm seedbed to allow optimal germination of the plant.

Forage crops can be grown across a pH range of approximately 5.8 to 6.5, but most nutrients are available in the 6.0 to 6.2 range, so soil pH should also be checked.

We understand the importance of frequent and accurate soil analysis for soil pH and our team of BASIS and FACTS qualified farm traders can work with you to carry out precision pH sampling and soil analysis, helping you identify and address any deficiencies well ahead of drilling.

2. Drilling date and establishment

Drilling dates vary by crop and by region and working backwards from your target harvest or grazing date is a useful discipline.

Location also plays a key role as farms in the south of England can typically sow earlier in spring and later into autumn, while those further north will have a narrower window to work with.

A minimum soil temperature of 5°C is recommended for sowing forage crop seeds because, if the ground is cooler than this, plants can bolt in response to the stress experienced during establishment. 

Planning your forage crops in parallel with your main arable rotation, rather than as an afterthought, will give you the best chance of hitting optimal drilling windows and maximising yield potential. Rotation planning is equally important, with a recommended four-five year break between forage crops such as swedes, kale or oilseed.

If you're unsure where to start, our farm traders are experienced in helping growers plan rotations and choose the right seed from our selection of straights or bespoke mixtures, to suit their system.

3. Livestock nutrition requirements

Once again, while it may seem counterintuitive, the best place to start when selecting a forage crop is with the end use in mind: what does your livestock actually need?

Understanding your livestock's nutrition requirements before selecting a forage crop is essential. For example, dairy herds with high yield targets will need a very different energy and protein profile compared to beef cattle or sheep.

Knowing how you plan to utilise the crop, whether grazing in situ or harvesting, should also inform both the crop type and variety you choose and our farm traders can talk through the options with you that are tailored to your farming requirements. However, any decisions about your livestock's diet should be made in consultation with your nutritionist or vet.