“The annual demand for the high quality sugar beet feed pellets normally outstrips supply,” warns Duncan Hook, Trident category manager.
Sugar beet feed is a popular feed and is renowned for being a source of healthy nutrition for sheep; it’s a highly palatable source of digestible fibre and energy. What’s more, our products are all sourced from the UK.
“We find that there are often shortages of sugar beet towards the end of the plant’s processing season,” explains Duncan.
He outlines that the British Sugar factories commence production in the middle of September. “This year we’ve witnessed favourable growing conditions throughout the summer and early indications are pointing towards an above average crop.
“Despite this, we don’t want livestock producers to become complacent. Last year we sold over 500,000 tonnes of sugar beet feeds and expect similar demand this year, with imported product being relatively expensive in comparison.”
“Sugar beet feed prices are announced once the quantity and quality of the crop is known,” asserts Duncan. “This year the market will be notified of the wholesale price on 22 August.”
Once the price has been declared, Duncan recommends that producers place winter orders early to avoid disappointment.
“We often find that once the weather changes we see a huge uplift in orders placed as minds turn to winter feeding.
“Therefore to secure the best price and service, it is recommended to get orders in early. Trident’s range of sugar beet products comprises of Maxibeet, Supabeet, Supaflow and Molassed Shreds.”
Farmer, Paul Slater has been breeding cross breeds since 1990. Mr Slater relies on a finishing diet of British sugar beet feed, grass and hay. From six months of age, shearling rams are fed 1lb – 1½ lb of SupaBeet. This is maintained until two months before they are sold in September, when the ration is increased to ration 2lbs
