North Antrim beef farm reaps rewards from red clover integration

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser, Faith Stewart discusses the many benefits of red clover for a beef farm.

A progressive beef farming enterprise in North Antrim has reported significant improvements in pasture productivity and sustainability through the successful integration of red clover into its reseeding strategy.

This development comes following a ‘Profit from Pasture’ farm walk held in summer 2024 by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) on the Portrush farm of Bill Harpur, highlighting how improved grassland management can support stronger farm margins in the current economic climate.

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser Faith Stewart emphasised the importance of low-cost feeding solutions for livestock:

“Grass is the cheapest source of livestock feed and coupled with improved beef prices across the country, allows many the potential to strengthen their margins in the current climate.”

From Arable Rotation to Clover-Rich Pasture

A field previously in winter cereal production was earmarked for reseeding after three years in arable rotation. With minimal weed infestation and low residual nitrogen (N) levels, the conditions were ideal for introducing red clover.

Mr Harpur undertook a traditional reseed process, involving stubble spraying, ploughing, two rounds of power harrowing, and double rolling. A seed mix containing 35% red clover, 10% white clover, and intermediate-to-late-heading perennial ryegrass (PRG) was selected to support silage production and grazing.

Despite red clover’s reputation for low persistency, the inclusion of white clover aimed to provide a longer-term benefit. Red clover’s deep taproots are known to enhance soil structure, while its nitrogen-fixing ability can contribute up to 150–250 kg N/ha annually, offering potential savings on fertiliser inputs.

Overcoming Soil and Weather Challenges

Machinery should be positioned high enough to ensure that the crown of the red clover plant is not damaged during mowing.

Initial soil tests revealed a slightly acidic pH of 6.1—just below the optimal 6.5 for clover. Although lime couldn’t be applied before sowing due to time constraints, 2 tonnes per acre were later incorporated to improve soil fertility. Future pH monitoring will be carried out as part of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS).

Early growth was hampered by cool, damp spring conditions, but red clover’s performance improved as temperatures rose. The sward received light fertilisation with CAN and 2,000 gallons of slurry per acre, supporting early establishment. While PRG begins growth at around 5–6°C, red clover requires 8°C—this differential growth pattern helps maintain forage availability throughout the grazing season.

Faith Stewart cautioned farmers about grazing management:

“Red clover, being a larger leaf variety is more suited to cattle than sheep for grazing and as the crown can be easily damaged it is important not to over-graze or graze in wet conditions.”

Silage Quality Boosts Livestock Performance

The reseeded field yielded two silage cuts and a third baled cut in its first year. Care was taken to avoid tedding, which can damage the protein-rich clover leaves. Harvest timing was optimised at around 50% flowering, when crude protein content peaks.

The third cut silage achieved:

• 6 bales per acre

• D-Value: 70%

• Crude Protein: 13.7%

• Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF): 49%

These figures underline the high quality of the feed, which was allocated to growing cattle to reduce reliance on concentrates.

To manage bloat risk during grazing, measures such as not turning cattle in hungry and adding bloat oil to water troughs were considered vital.

Upcoming CAFRE Clover Open Day

CAFRE will host a Clover Open Day at its Beef and Sheep Centre on Thursday, 5 June 2025, on Oldstone Road, Antrim. This event marks the third year of a four-year project investigating the integration of white clover into grazing swards.

Farmers attending will gain insights into:

• Methods of clover establishment trialled on CAFRE farms

• Challenges faced and practical solutions developed

• Sustainability benefits and future plans for CAFRE’s clover projects

Additionally, practical findings from the ‘ZeroNsile’ project, led by AgriSearch in partnership with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), will be discussed.

Tours begin at 11:00am, 3:00pm, and 7:00pm, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. No booking is required. For further details, visit the events section of the CAFRE website.

Bill Harpur’s experience underlines the value of clover inclusion in Northern Irish beef enterprises. With continued guidance from CAFRE and support from agri-research initiatives, farms across the UK can take practical steps toward improving pasture output, reducing input costs, and enhancing environmental sustainability.