Forage Crops – grass alternatives for ruminants.

Nationally

7.35 million Ha of grass

5.86 million Ha of arable

200,000 Ha of Maize

10 million head of cattle

32 million head of sheep

4.7 million head of pigs

194 million poultry birds

Alternative Forage Crops in the UK

While grass and clover mixtures are common, UK farmers also cultivate a range of alternative forage crops to diversify feeding systems, improve rotational management, and meet specific livestock nutritional needs.

1. Forage Brassicas

• Turnips and Swedes:
  These root crops are valued for their high-energy content, making them particularly useful in winter feeding regimes. They are typically planted in late summer to early autumn, with an emphasis on soil fertility and moisture control.
• Kale and Fodder Rape:
  Brassicas like kale and fodder rape (forage rape) grow quickly and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Their management requires careful control of grazing pressure or timely harvesting to avoid crop damage and ensure optimal nutritional quality.

2. Forage Cereals

• Whole Crop Silage:
  Wheat, Barley, Oats & Triticale are a widely grown forage cereal that provide high digestibility and energy. They are mainly used for whole crop silage, offering .

3. Forage Maize

• Maize Silage:
  Maize is grown in parts of the UK for silage. Its high-yielding nature makes it a valuable energy source for livestock. Agronomy practices for maize focus on nutrient management and precise harvest timing to maintain silage quality.

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Agronomy and Husbandry Practices

Agronomy

• Soil Preparation and Fertility:
  Each alternative crop type—whether cereal, brassica, or maize—requires tailored soil management. This includes liming, fertilization, and ensuring proper drainage to support rapid establishment.
• Sowing Techniques and Timing:
  Planting windows differ: forage cereals are often sown in early autumn, while brassicas may be planted from late summer to early autumn. Correct seeding rates and methods (e.g., direct drilling) are essential to achieve uniform stands.
• Pest and Disease Management:
  Integrated pest management strategies help minimize losses and reduce reliance on chemical treatments, ensuring both crop health and environmental sustainability.

Husbandry

• Grazing Management:
  When these crops are used in grazing systems, rotational grazing is key. This approach prevents overgrazing and maintains the regenerative capacity of the crop stand.
• Harvesting and Preservation:
  Depending on weather and livestock needs, crops can be harvested for hay or silage. For example, maize and brassicas are often ensiled because their high moisture content makes them ideal for fermentation.
• Feeding Strategies:
  The nutritional profiles of these alternative forages—rich in energy, vitamins, and minerals—allow farmers to design balanced rations tailored to different livestock classes, such as dairy cows or beef cattle.

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Uses and Benefits

• Nutritional Diversity:
  These crops provide varied nutritional benefits compared to standard grass/clover systems, offering high-energy and vitamin-rich options that support animal health and productivity.
• Crop Rotation and Soil Health:
  Incorporating cereals, brassicas, and maize into rotations not only diversifies forage options but also helps break disease cycles, improve soil structure, and manage nutrient levels.
• Economic Flexibility:
  Diversified forage systems can reduce dependence on imported feeds, lower overall feed costs, and offer resilience in the face of variable weather conditions.
• Environmental Sustainability:
  Alternative forage crops contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil fertility, reducing erosion, and lowering the need for synthetic inputs.

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This summary outlines how non–grass-and–clover forage crops are integrated into UK farming systems to provide nutritional variety for livestock, support effective crop rotation, and promote overall farm sustainability.