Fodder Beet

In this episode, Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert at PGG Wrightson, explains why farmers should think carefully before applying nitrogen to struggling fodder beet crops after a difficult 2025–26 season. With cold conditions, slow crop growth and persistent wet weather impacting yields across the country, Andrew outlines why adding nitrogen late in the season may not deliver the extra feed farmers are hoping for.

A dissertation by Lincoln University agricultural science honours student Zivana Katelyn King has found fodder beet an environmentally efficient and cost effective feed. The findings have been welcomed by Canterbury sheep and beef farmers, the Fisher family. Sandra Taylor reports.