Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Sophie Wilesmith
Farm walk on 12 November will give growers an insight into how Elephant Grass (Miscanthus) can diversify cropping, deliver returns and support Denmark’s evolving agricultural and environmental priorities.
Miscanthus specialist Terravesta is inviting farmers and industry professionals to Danish grower Kim Balle’s farm near Hinnerup, Jutland, on 12 November to see his Miscanthus crop and explore the potential of Elephant Grass, following the success of his first planting in 2025.
A pioneer with a passion for trying new things, Kim is exploring how Elephant Grass can complement his existing arable rotation, diversify income and create opportunities for dedicated biomass production. Having seen excellent establishment and promising performance through an exceptionally dry year, he is positive about the crop’s potential and plans to expand his area significantly over the coming years.
Kim farms 200 hectares of owned land and a further 400 hectares of leased land, growing a diverse range of crops including wheat, barley, spinach, oilseed rape and ryegrass. He currently supplies straw to the Lisbjerg power plant, providing an established route to market for biomass.
His first 11-hectare Elephant Grass planting in 2025 established exceptionally well, with emergence reaching around 90% in the core areas and 80% in weaker areas. Encouraged by the results, Kim planted a further 17 hectares in spring 2026, and aims to increase his Elephant Grass area to 100 hectares within five years.
“The year has been dry, but the crops have stood up well to it. We’ve had around 400mm of rain so far, when normally we would expect 700–800mm,” says Kim.
“I’m curious about new things, and I want to level out the amount of work throughout the year. We have the cereal harvest in August, then the Elephant Grass harvest in spring. It makes sense from a business perspective, and it gives us another crop to work with.”
The business case for Elephant Grass
For Kim, the attraction is not just crop diversification. “It has a good business case,” he says. “I can deliver it straight to the power plant that already takes my straw, and it’s easy to get the Elephant Grass there. This year, it made the same as my grain, around 1.2 Danish kroner, and the straw was the same,” he explains.
Kim plans to harvest the crop himself and will invest in a suitable mower to complement his existing baler. He has also invested in a planter to help other growers in the region establish Elephant Grass, reflecting the growing interest he is seeing locally.
The crop’s low input requirements are another important consideration, particularly in relation to fertiliser use and water quality.
“Elephant Grass doesn’t need fertiliser or pesticide inputs, so there’s no risk of them leaching from the crop into the water. It’s a good crop with a compelling case. You can make money, it requires very little maintenance, and it aligns with green policy in Denmark.”
Looking further ahead, Kim sees opportunities for Elephant Grass beyond energy production. Sustainable building materials offer an interesting avenue for future market development, while the crop is also used as animal bedding.
“We want future markets to develop. Sustainable building materials are a very interesting area, although it’s a small market at the moment. Elephant Grass is also a popular bedding material.”
About the farm walk
The farm walk, organised with Miscanthus specialist, Terravesta Denmark, will bring together growers, researchers and industry experts to discuss the crop’s agronomy, regulation and emerging commercial opportunities.
Attendees will hear from Jens Kejldsen, chairman of the Elephant Grass Association in Denmark, who will discuss the crop and its role in the Danish agricultural sector.
Søren Ugilt from Aarhus University will explore Elephant Grass figures in relation to nitrogen regulation, while Esben from Hypen will present a project using the crop to produce tabletops, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable raw material.
Jacob Nielsen, Terravesta’s Crop Manager in Denmark and an Elephant Grass grower himself, will also share his experience and insight into the crop’s potential for Danish farmers.
Jacob Nielsen, Terravesta Denmark, says: “Elephant Grass is an exciting opportunity for Danish growers looking to diversify their businesses and explore new markets for biomass. Kim is a great example of a grower who is willing to try something different, assess the results and invest in the opportunities he sees. His experience will give visitors a valuable, practical insight into establishing and growing the crop.”
The programme will include breakfast and lunch, presentations from the speakers and a visit to Kim’s Elephant Grass field, where attendees can hear first-hand about his experience of establishment, and crop performance so far.
The event will also highlight the Terravesta Athena™ variety, supported by Terravesta Denmark’s experience and expertise in Elephant Grass production.
Event details
Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
Time: 09:30–approximately 14:00
Location: Rønbækvej 37, 8382 Hinnerup, Jutland, Denmark
Growers and industry professionals interested in attending can book their place at the farm walk here: https://terravesta.com/events/.
To find out more about Elephant Grass, the Terravesta Athena™ variety and opportunities for growers, visit terravesta.dk.
