Roots Sow What? Fodder Beet: A Versatile Energy Source for UK Livestock Systems

As part of our new series exploring root crop options for UK farmers, we’re starting with one of the most versatile and high-yielding choices on the market — fodder beet. Known for its impressive energy content and palatability, fodder beet can play a valuable role in extending your forage supply and supporting consistent livestock performance throughout the winter months.

Why Grow Fodder Beet?

Fodder beet is a high-yielding, energy-dense crop that can be fed to a range of livestock, including dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and deer. Its excellent palatability makes it a reliable feed for boosting both milk yield and liveweight gain.

Another key advantage is versatility — fodder beet can be grazed in situ, lifted and stored, or used in combination across the season, depending on your farm system.

 

Understanding Dry Matter (DM) Types

Fodder beet varieties are generally grouped by their dry matter (DM) content, which influences how and when they can be best utilised:

DM Type	Typical Use	Key Traits	Considerations
High DM	Lifting	Excellent storage and winter hardiness	Requires suitable lifting machinery
Medium DM	Dual-purpose (lifting and grazing)	Versatile; balance between yield and feed flexibility	Less winter hardy than high DM types
Low DM	Grazing	Soft, highly palatable feed for in-field grazing	Susceptible to frost damage; best used early

High Dry Matter Varieties — Best for Lifting

High DM fodder beet varieties are the hardiest option and ideal for lifting and storing for use later into the winter season. They offer an excellent energy source when other forage stocks are running low. However, to make the most of them, you’ll need access to suitable lifting equipment and storage facilities.

Medium Dry Matter Varieties — The Flexible Choice

Medium DM types are a great all-round option, suitable for both grazing and lifting. This makes them particularly attractive for systems looking to extend the grazing period and then lift the remaining crop for winter feeding. While not as winter hardy as high DM types, they offer a practical balance between yield, flexibility, and management ease.

 

Low Dry Matter Varieties — Perfect for Grazing Systems

Low DM fodder beet varieties are soft, highly digestible, and ideal for direct grazing. They provide a valuable energy boost that helps livestock maintain good condition heading into winter. The main limitation is their sensitivity to frost, so they’re best grazed first before colder conditions set in.

 

Choosing the Right Mix for Your Farm

For consistent livestock performance, maintaining a steady diet is key. In some cases, growing a combination of varieties — for example, a mix of low, medium, and high DM types — can help spread utilisation across the season and keep feed consistent.

This approach allows you to:

• Start grazing earlier with low DM varieties

• Extend into winter with medium DM crops

• Finish the season with lifted high DM beet for late-winter feeding

 

Final Thoughts

Fodder beet’s flexibility makes it an outstanding addition to many UK forage systems. Whether you’re looking to graze stock in the field, lift roots for winter feeding, or do a bit of both, there’s a variety to suit your setup.

At Puzzle Seed Co, we’re here to help you choose the right varieties to fit your system and feeding goals — ensuring your livestock have access to high-quality, energy-rich feed all season long.