Learning Outcomes:
- To describe the types of grassland in the UK.
- To describe some types of grass.
- To describe some commons weeds of grass
Facts about Grass
- In monocots like grass and cereals , since the growing point (meristem) is at ground level, you can cut the tips of the leaves and the meristem just continues producing new cells which enlarge and push the leaf blade up from the bottom.
- This is why grazing and mowing does not kill grass
A Practical Knowledge Guide for Agriculture Apprentices
1. Introduction: Why Forage Crops Matter
Forage crops are a core part of UK livestock farming, providing feed that supports animal health, performance, and farm profitability. While grass is the main forage on most farms, non‑grass forage crops play a crucial supporting role by supplying:
- ⚡ Energy to drive milk production and liveweight gain
- 🧬 Protein to support growth and lactation
- 📦 Bulk and fibre to maintain rumen function
- 💷 Cost‑effective feed compared to purchased concentrates
Non‑grass forage crops are typically conserved (rather than grazed) and must be grown with a clear end use in mind. Choosing the right crop, and understanding its strengths and limitations, is a key part of good forage planning.
2. Main Non‑Grass Forage Crops Grown in the UK
🌽 Maize Silage
Maize is one of the most important non‑grass forage crops in the UK.
Key characteristics:
- High in starch and metabolisable energy (ME)
- Low in protein
- Highly palatable to cattle
Typical use:
- Dairy cows (especially mid‑ to high‑yielding)
- Finishing beef cattle
Strengths:
- Excellent energy source
- Supports milk yield and growth
Limitations:
- Requires warm conditions
- High establishment cost
- Not suitable for all soils or locations
🌾 Wholecrop Cereals
Wholecrop cereals are harvested before full grain maturity and conserved as silage.
Common crops:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Oats
- Triticale
Key characteristics:
- Provides energy and fibre
- Lower starch than maize
- More forgiving in cooler climates
Typical use:
- Store cattle
- Growing cattle
- Sheep rations
Strengths:
- Flexible harvest timing
- Fits well into arable rotations
Limitations:
- Variable quality depending on harvest stage
- Lower energy than maize
🥬 Forage Brassicas
Forage brassicas are fast‑growing crops mainly used for winter feed.
Common types:
- Kale
- Forage rape
- Stubble turnips
- Swedes
Key characteristics:
- High fresh weight yield
- Moderate energy
- Low fibre
Typical use:
- Grazed by sheep or cattle during winter
Strengths:
- Rapid establishment
- Useful when grass supply is limited
Limitations:
- Risk of animal health issues if poorly managed
- Requires careful introduction and supplementation
🌱 Forage Legumes
Forage legumes are less common but provide valuable nutritional and soil benefits.
Common examples:
- Lucerne
- Red clover
Key characteristics:
- High protein content
- Can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere
Typical use:
- Silage for dairy and growing stock
Strengths:
- Reduces need for nitrogen fertiliser
- Improves protein supply in the ration
Limitations:
- Sensitive to soil and management
- Risk of bloat if mismanaged
3. Matching Forage Crops to Livestock Needs
Different livestock and production stages have different nutritional demands.
- 🐄 Dairy cows in milk require high‑energy forage → maize silage
- 🐂 Finishing cattle need energy for growth → maize or wholecrop
- 🐄 Store cattle need balanced diets → wholecrop cereals
- 🐑 Winter sheep systems benefit from high‑yield forage → brassicas
Correct matching helps prevent:
- Poor animal performance
- Excess feed costs
- Digestive and metabolic problems
4. Understanding Forage Quantity and Quality
📦 Forage Quantity
Forage quantity refers to the amount of feed produced, usually measured as:
- Yield (tonnes per hectare, t/ha)
Factors affecting quantity include:
- Weather conditions ☀️🌧️
- Soil type and structure 🟤
- Establishment success 🌱
- Pest and weed pressure
⭐ Forage Quality
Forage quality describes how well a forage meets the nutritional needs of livestock.
Key quality indicators:
- ⚡ Metabolisable Energy (ME)
- 🧬 Crude Protein
- 🌽 Starch (particularly in maize and wholecrop)
- 🧪 Digestibility
High yield does not always mean high quality. Late harvesting often increases yield but reduces nutritional value.
5. Factors Affecting Growth and Performance
Non‑grass forage crops are influenced by several key factors:
Weather
- Temperature affects growth rate
- Rainfall affects establishment and yield
Soil and Ground Conditions
- Drainage
- Compaction
- Nutrient availability
Pests, Diseases and Weeds
- Insect damage
- Disease pressure
- Weed competition reducing yield and quality
6. Risks and Limitations of Forage Crops
While valuable, forage crops carry risks:
- ❄️ Weather variability
- 💷 High establishment costs
- 🟤 Unsuitable soil types
- ⚖️ Nutritional imbalance if poorly matched to stock
Understanding these risks allows farmers to make better cropping decisions.
7. Key Summary Points
- Non‑grass forage crops support livestock diets and farm profitability
- Common UK forage crops include maize, wholecrop cereals, brassicas and legumes
- Forage must be matched to livestock type and production stage
- Quantity refers to yield, while quality refers to nutritional value
- Management and timing are critical to success
🔁 Knowledge Check
- Name three non‑grass forage crops grown in the UK.
- Which forage crop is highest in starch?
- Explain the difference between forage quantity and forage quality.
- Give one risk associated with forage brassicas.
📘 If you can explain this chapter confidently, you have the core knowledge needed for EPA discussions and on‑farm decision making.
Grassland videos – some used during lesson plus a few extra….
Below is presentation which gives more details about grass agronomy.
