Fodder and Feed Beet Seeds: A Sustainable Solution for Livestock Nutrition
Buy Fodder and Feed Beet Seeds
With rising global feed prices, heavy reliance on imports, and limited suitable water and soil resources, there is an increasing need to explore new, high-yield and cost-effective forage crops. Among these, fodder beet has emerged as a strategic choice, gaining a strong foothold in the country’s livestock feed production.
Why Choose Fodder and Feed Beet Seeds?
1. High resistance to drought and salinity
2. Excellent palatability compared to other forages; usable fresh, ensiled, or in winter
3. Increases milk yield and fat content in dairy cows
4. High nutritional value and energy content
5. Suitable for grazing, silage, or on-field consumption
6. Higher yield compared to many forage crops
7. Suitable for both spring and autumn planting
8. Similar cultivation to sugar beet but with higher forage yield
9. More climate-resilient than silage corn
10. Can be ensiled with other crops like straw or maize
11. Can replace part of the grain in the ration due to high carbohydrate content
12. Maintains feed intake during summer heat
13. Enhances feed palatability
14. Usable as both fibrous forage and concentrate
Quote by Professor Gerry Giggnis, Livestock Nutrition Expert (Ireland, 2013):"If cows had money, the first thing they’d buy would be fodder beet — just like a child picking chocolate."
Types of Fodder and Feed Beet Varieties
1. High Dry Matter Varieties
Suitable for mechanical harvest
Highest yield potential
Uniform root size
Good storage quality
Requires chopping for better digestibility
Higher soil contamination during harvest
2. Intermediate Varieties
High yield
Usable whole or chopped
Cleaner harvest
3. Low Dry Matter Varieties
Ideal for grazing or whole-plant use
Suitable for farms without advanced machinery
Lower storage quality
Less uniformity
Not compatible with mechanical harvesting
Advantages of Cultivating Fodder and Feed Beet in Iran
High yield potential
Better quality characteristics compared to other forages
Proven local success stories
Well-suited to Iranian climate conditions
Potential to meet a portion of national forage needs, though proper farm management and training are essential.
How to Prepare Land for Planting Fodder and Feed Beet Seeds
1. Deep plowing (30–35 cm) with moldboard or chisel plow
2. Fertilizing and discing (10–15 cm depth)
3. Leveling the land with a land leveler (if needed)
4. Creating furrows 50–60 cm apart for planting
Planting Methods for Fodder and Feed Beet Seeds
1. Direct Seeding
Manual: Furrows with a hoe and band seeding
Mechanized:
Pneumatic planter (choose appropriate plate)
Grain drill (adjusted settings)
Bucket-type vegetable seeders
Note: Do not use flatbed or border methods. Beet seeds are sensitive to crusting.
2. Transplanting
Suitable for cold regions with short growing seasons
Benefits:
Saves water, seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers
Bypasses sensitive germination stage under salinity stress
Eliminates thinning
Reduces weeding costs
Seedlings are raised in nursery or greenhouse and transplanted at 4–6 leaf stage
Optimal Plant Density and Sowing Depth for Fodder and Feed Beet
Row spacing: 50–60 cm
In-row seed spacing: 3–6 cm
Sowing depth: 2–3 cm
After thinning: plant spacing of 18–22 cm
Proper Irrigation for Fodder and Feed Beet
Stage 1: After Planting
First irrigation (initial soil soaking)
Second irrigation after 4–5 days
Crucial for seedling establishment
Stage 2: Based on Environmental Conditions
Irrigation timing depends on air temperature, soil texture, rainfall, evaporation, and soil moisture
Thinning and Replanting in Fodder and Feed Beet Cultivation
In spring or autumn planting, adjust plant spacing at 6–8 true-leaf stage
In cold regions, thinning should be done after frost risk has passed
How to Control Weeds in Fodder and Feed Beet Fields
A) Pre-emergence:
Use Pyramin as directed
B) Post-emergence:
Use Betanal Progress in stages:
Stage 1: 500–700 cc/ha
Stage 2 (one week later): 750–1000 cc
Stage 3 (if needed): 1–1.5 L
For grasses: use Super Gallant (compatible with Betanal)
Fertilization Program for Better Growth and Higher Yield in Fodder and Feed Beet
Pre-planting:
100 kg pure phosphorus
150 kg pure potassium
Nitrogen and Compound Fertilizer:
Cold Regions:
No nitrogen before frost
After frost:
Stage 1: 100 kg nitrogen with cultivator
Stage 2: 100–150 kg nitrogen
Warm Regions:
After thinning:
Stage 1: 100 kg nitrogen
Stage 2: 100–150 kg nitrogen before canopy closure
Note: Micronutrient fertilizers are recommended in all cases.
What Are the Benefits of Autumn Planting for Fodder and Feed Beet?
Conservation of water and soil resources
Improved water use efficiency
Better crop rotation
Reduced soil compaction
Better weed control
Lower pest and disease pressure
Contact us now for a free expert consultation and to place your order for premium Fodder beet seeds for livestock.
