source the alternative protein

Establishment

WITH a relatively flexible sowing date, between the end of March and early June, depending on the weather, forage peas can be harvested 11-14 weeks after sowing, making it a fast-growing crop.

Mr Spence says: “The fact that forage peas are a legume means they are high in protein, but also nitrogen fixing for the following crop, meaning it can work well in an arable rotation going into wheat or barley.”

Forage peas are fairly hardy and straightforward to grow. Preferring lighter soils and temperatures of at least 8degC for successful establishment, forage peas can be grown in most parts of the UK.

Mr Spence says the main causes of poor establishment tend to be due to bird damage, from rooks