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.

Guest:

• Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert, PGG Wrightson

Host:

• Sarah Perriam-Lampp, Editor-in-Chief, CountryWide

Andrew discusses how fodder beet can accumulate nitrates when growth conditions prevent the plant from converting them into usable growth, creating potential animal health risks when stock begins grazing. He explains the signs farmers should watch for and why testing crops for nitrate levels is an important step before making fertiliser decisions. Andrew also outlines how protein requirements vary between different classes of stock and why understanding the balance between leaf, bulb and supplementary feed sources can help farmers build a safer, more productive winter ration.

 

Read the article featuring Andrew here: 

https://country-wide.co.nz/winter-feed-yields-down/ 

 

For information on Tower contact your local ADAMA commercial manager or visit the website - http://www.adama.com

 

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