Book today before places run out:
To book on to the May farm walk, please click on the orange sash on our homepage or contact Jacob Duce at jacobd@terravesta.com or on 01522 731873.
About the farm walk
Increased demand from UK power stations burning the biomass crop miscanthus means more planting is needed, and farmers interested in growing the crop should not miss our next miscanthus farm walk, in Norfolk, on 25th May.
The walk will take place at Abbey Farm, Kings Lynn, by kind permission of arable farmer, Bill Lewis. Delegates will hear how growing miscanthus on less productive farmland has worked for his farm business.
The Terravesta team will outline the life-cycle of the crop, and harvest best practice and timings. They will offer planting advice, inform on machinery requirements, update on the limited crop inputs needed, and financial returns.
Delegates will have the chance to view a miscanthus field, ask questions, and be given a light lunch. There will also be the opportunity to chat with the team and other farmers about the crop.
Book today for the farm walk
Held by kind permission of Bill Lewis
Date and time: May 25, 10.30 – 2.00 pm
Address: Abbey Farm, East Walton, Kings Lynn, PE32 1PP
Format: Coffee and registration, followed by a presentation from Terravesta, a tour of the farm and a light lunch
Cost: F.O.C
About the grower
“In 2013, we made the decision to plant 15 hectares of a field that historically was poor permanent pasture, prone to flooding. We tried growing winter wheat, sugar beet and linseed, but they all failed,” says Bill Lewis.
“It’s the sort of land that’s difficult to establish crops on, due to water logging. The land is l ow lying, at 20 feet below sea level, so the surrounding land drains into it. This meant we were spending a fortune on preparing the seed beds, and on inputs,” he says.
Bill attributes the success of the crop to careful planning, planting preparation and aftercare for the first 12 months after planting. “We had 90% establishment, and the support we’ve received from Terravesta has been invaluable. They advised on our herbicide regime, which is very important in the establishment year, and we treated to control twitch grass and meadow grass. We also erected fencing to ward off rabbits, which can be a threat to the crop early on,” he says.
Bill utilised the planting package that Terravesta offers, where rhizomes and a precision planter are supplied. The farm is also supported with hands on agronomic advice for the duration of the crop’s life.
