Catch crops offer rescue plan for forage shortfall

Farmers facing a lack of home-grown forage this winter could grow an autumn catch-crop – and unlock additional revenue from the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

Lack of sunshine has restricted grass and maize growth. But one way to plug the forage gap is to plant a catch crop, suggests Simon Montgomery of ProCam. Growers have three main options, he adds.

“They can either drill a fast-growing single species ryegrass ley, choose a triticale based multi-species mixture – which has the advantage of qualifying for an SFI payment under the SAM2 classification – or look at a forage and rye mix.”

High performance

For the first option, Mr Montgomery recommends ProCam’s Hurricane III mix from the company’s Field Options range. Based on a high performance hardy diploid Westerwold ryegrass, it is ideal where grass is required in a hurry, he says.

“Sown after maize, its combination of complementary varieties produces big cuts of silage early in the spring.”

UK trials show Hurrican III can deliver as much as 9t/ha of dry matter per hectare, says Mr Montgomery. “It is also suitable for spring and autumn grazing when managed correctly and will easily persist for at least 12 months.”

For producers interested a growing multi-species catch crop, which is eligible for an SFI payment, ProCam’s T101 N-Max seed mixture could more appropriate. It is based on an 80:20 mixture of forage triticale and hairy winter vetch.

“The triticale element is more robust and faster establishing than forage rye which makes it ideal for the production of spring forage for early stock turnout and to reduce the reliance on bought-in feed when silage clamps run empty.”

Weed suppression

“N-Max meets the SAM2 specification by providing over-winter ground cover which scavenges existing nutrients and prevents leaching losses and reduces soil erosion. It also excels at suppressing autumn weeds.

“Thanks to its ability to withstand even the harshest of winters which enables it to keep growing through the winter, it has the best potential for producing spring biomass with a similar feed value to forage rye.”

As a third option, N-Rich is also suitable for drilling after maize. Occupying the middle ground for farmers who might want to grow a triticale-based ley, it comprises an 80:20 split of forage rye and hairy winter vetch varieties.

“It too continues to grow even in very hard winters and produces a good biomass for spring cutting or can be grazed from January onwards. It is also SAM2 compliant which means producers can also benefit from an SFI payment.”

Aldi to buy £3 billion of British beef

Discount supermarket Aldi says it will purchase £3 billion in British beef over the next five years, as part of its ongoing commitment to producers.

Aldi is the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket – and the country’s largest retailer of British beef. It says the investment will allow farmers to plan confidently and provide security for supply chains up and down the country.

Better quality

Part of the deal includes a five-year £260 million contract to purchase Aberdeen Angus beef from Aldi supply partner Kepak. It says this will champion Great British quality while enhancing the quality and range of beef available to customers.

Aldi buyer Julie Ashfield said: “As the UK’s largest British beef retailer, we’re proud of our long-term relationships with British farmers across the country.

“The UK farming community plays a vital role in our food supply chains – our continued investment in British beef is in recognition of this and means we can continue to provide the best quality British products for our customers.”