With world grain price volatility squeezing UK farmers more than ever, arable growers are looking even more closely at what crops they can add to their rotation to boost returns, in order to cope with the ongoing price slump.
Miscanthus, the long-term energy crop, is one that’s catching a lot of attention, both because of its ability to offer great returns, and because of interest in energy production from farmland.
An arable farmer who has made the leap and invested in miscanthus is Chris Bradley, based in Brough, East Yorkshire, and he is inviting farmers to his farm in July to hear about his success with the crop, first hand.
“Growing miscanthus is the best decision I’ve ever made,” says Chris, who initially replaced sugar beet and potatoes with the crop, on poor, dry land.
“The 100ha farm is now half arable, half miscanthus. Initially we planted 30ha of miscanthus in 2006, and since then we have planted the remaining 20ha split between 2009 and 2013.
“Now miscanthus growing is more profitable than ever. The precision planting that’s available, and very low input costs, mean that this year it’s the most lucrative crop on the farm,” he says.
“With miscanthus we know what return we’re going to get back in advance, it’s index linked, so it will only go one way, and the yields are better each year. I’d invite anyone interested in profiting from it to come along to the farm walk on 2nd July.”
Hosted by Chris, and run by miscanthus supply chain specialists, Terravesta, the farm walk will showcase the compelling, immediate and long-term commercial opportunity miscanthus presents.
The Terravesta team will educate visitors about how to grow the crop, the market for it, what growers will get for it, and why it’s a sustainable and financially viable option. There’ll also be a chance to ask questions, talk to other growers, and take a look around the farm.
William Cracroft-Eley, miscanthus grower and Terravesta chairman, is enthusiastic about places already being booked up. “Our farm walks are popular and offer growers a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with the experts from Terravesta. The team will answer any specific queries and provide professional advice on all aspects of successful miscanthus growing and long term, fixed price contracts and markets.”
Miscanthus farm walk at Whinneymoor Farm, Brough, East Yorkshire. Held by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Chris Bradley.
Date and time: 2nd July, 10.30 – 2.00 pm
Address: Whinneymoor Farm, Brough, East Yorkshire, HU15 1RA
Format: Coffee and registration, followed by a presentation from Terravesta, a tour of the farm and a light lunch
Cost: F.O.C
Bookings: Book online http://www.terravesta.com/ by clicking on the orange sash on the home page, e-mail Helen Holman on helenh@terravesta.com or call Alison Fisher on 01522 731873
