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WORDS & IMAGES BY ANNIE STUDHOLME

Ealing farmer Shayne Jones of Farmleigh Limited has taken out the best fodder beet crop in this years’ Ashburton A&P Association’s Winter Feed Competition, and also took out the Ravensdown Trophy for the overall winner.

Shayne operates a 429ha arable unit bordering the Rangitata River. He grows on average 95ha of fodder beet, along with 75ha of kale for winter grazing for nearby dairy farmers’
cows and youngstock.
Shayne has used Barenbrug’s Robbos fodder beet variety with success for many seasons due to its higher leaf protein level, good stock palatability, and very high utilisation, as its
bulbs typically sit at between 45–50 per cent out of the ground ensuring less soil ingestion. Also making it easier to lift if required.

Admittedly, he took a punt planting it on their riverbed flats last year, and has been blown away with the result. The 11ha winning dryland crop was planted following grass on October 17, 2021, at 90,000 seeds/ha.

“We thought the river terrace would be the perfect place for feeding 600 calves. I thought if we could get 18t/ha we would be happy, but we virtually doubled that yield. The conditions and the season certainly helped us,” he says.

“We got much more than expected; it’s a good problem to have. In all the years we have been growing beet, this is by far the best we’ve had.”

Shayne had so much extra feed, that along with grazing the rising yearling calves, he lifted a percentage of the crop to feed off-site to older cows. A catch crop of oats will follow the beet crop to reduce the risk of N leaching and soak up any nutrients leftover, before being planted in kale in December for winter grazing.

At the suggestion of good friends, Ben Stock and the late John Jefferson, Shayne decided on a whim to enter the annual Ashburton A&P Association’s Winter Feed Competition, never expecting to win. Attracting record entries (51) this year, competition judging took place in early May. “It came as a huge surprise.”

Shayne was indebted to the agronomy advice and support he received from Ruralco Arable & Pastoral representative Steve Lawson, who had been on-hand throughout the
process from cultivar selection and drilling, through to grazing. Steve is part of Ruralco’s comprehensive agronomy team.

Ruralco Seed Sales Manager John Scott says winter forage was a strong focus for the entire Ruralco team. “It’s a major component of our business. We have a great team of
agronomists and field reps on the road, ready to help guide farmers. They can work with you to plan your season and offer competitive pricing on everything you need to make it
happen. We can get hold of everything that’s available on the market.”

Ruralco’s newly released Winter Feed Guide is a one-stop shop for farmers containing all the varieties of fodder beet and brassicas that are available on the market from all the major seed companies in one, easily-accessible guide, says John.
For more information contact your local Ruralco Representative.

See the Winter Feed Guide here