James Mutton manages a 300-hectare farm on the North Cornwall coast, committed to sustainable practices and environmental conservation, with most of the land certified organic since 2007.
He also grows 58 hectares of Miscanthus which he processes for his bedding enterprise, ‘Burly Bed’, where it’s made into products for the equine and pet industry.
James is calling for more farmers to plant Miscanthus. “It’s a low-maintenance crop that can rival any Sustainable Farming incentive (SFI) scheme margin. Miscanthus requires less hands-on management after the initial establishment phase, providing a steady source of long-term income for over 20 years, with fewer variables than SFI crops,” he says.
“While the initial investment for planting Miscanthus can be substantial,” James acknowledges. “The long-term benefits are the key to this crop.”
James’ enthusiasm for Miscanthus is contending with the agricultural competition in his area. “Vegetable and potato crops, as well as Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) schemes, are significant alternatives vying for land use. However, he feels that the appeal of SFI schemes is diminishing for some farmers due to unexpected management burdens and logistical challenges.
“Many farmers are finding that the SFI schemes require more management than anticipated,” he says. Additionally, the timing of certain SFI activities, such as late-summer cutting, is weather-dependent and often leads to difficulty maintaining clean fields. According to James, some farmers have even begun withdrawing from SFI schemes as they find the requirements more intensive than initially presented.
“Miscanthus is simple, with less management required and a greater long-term return,” James says. “Moreover, it can qualify for SFI inclusion under certain conditions, making it an adaptable crop for those interested in participating in the scheme while also reaping the benefits of Miscanthus cultivation.”
Miscanthus trials
In mid-May this year, James planted two hectares of Terravesta AthenaTM Miscanthus in a commercial trial, to assess the growing and plant characteristics against existing Miscanthus giganteus crops. “It’s shown promising early vigour and resilience, thriving immediately after planting.
“Athena has narrower canes, which we will assess for the suitability for animal bedding manufacturing. It’s also a sustainable raw material for renewable energy plants, which burn whole bales to generate electricity. There is a local demand for Miscanthus here in Cornwall for bedding, and farmers within a 100-mile radius of Snetterton renewable power station in Norfolk and Brigg in Lincolnshire can grow it on long-term contracts with crop specialist, Terravesta, and some farmers are opting to grow it for own-use,” he says.
Future of Miscanthus and the need for more growers
As the market for Miscanthus bedding and renewable energy grows, James believes that increased local production is essential. With 58 hectares of Miscanthus giganteus already growing on his farm, he and his team are open to processing Miscanthus from other growers as well. However, he acknowledges that expanding Miscanthus production in the region is critical to meeting the rising demand.
In a sector where farmers face competing demands, Miscanthus offers a valuable solution. Its applications in animal bedding and renewable energy make it a viable, sustainable option. As James’ experience with Terravesta AthenaTM shows, new Miscanthus varieties can address specific market needs, supporting the agricultural economy while minimising the workload typically associated with other crops or government schemes.
To learn more about growing Terravesta AthenaTM Miscanthus on long-term contracts, click here.
