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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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).