Establishing and growing clover

Here you will find information on managing white and red clover for grazing and silage, along with other tips to help you learn how to establish and grow clover.

Why is clover important?

The cost of production per kilogram of liveweight gain or litre of milk is a major consideration for all livestock producers. One of the best ways to improve efficiency and increase profitability is to produce more feed on the farm, rather than buying it in.

While feed and fertiliser prices remain high, having a dependable source of home-grown protein in the fields offers some protection from ever-rising input costs. Whether grazed or conserved, white and red clover both provide a good source of protein in ruminant diets and have high intake characteristics.

Clover plants also fix nitrogen (N), so there is an added benefit of less artificial nitrogen fertiliser needed for grass growth. Clover-rich swards fit well into forage or arable rotations and benefit soil fertility and structure.

White clover

Read our advice to learn about white clover. You’ll find information on the benefits and how to use white clover effectively on your farm.

Learn about white clover

Red clover

Read our advice to learn about red clover. You’ll find information on the benefits and how to use red clover effectively on your farm. 

Learn about red clover

Establishing clover

Read our top tips for establishing red and white clover, and managing fertility and weeds.  

Tips for establishing clover

Managing clover

From grazing management to pests and disease, our advice and resources will help you manage clover successfully.

Find out more about managing clover

Useful links

   

Research into NIRS use for clover silage

Learn more about grass and forage management

Forage for knowledge articles

Read more in the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists

Read the Establishing and growing clover guide

If you would like to order a hard copy of the Establishing and growing clover guide or the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists, please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.

The information in these web pages was sourced from Germinal, Grassland Development Centre (IBERS, University of Aberystwyth) and Charlie Morgan (GrassMaster Ltd).

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