We’ve caught up with Lincolnshire contractor, Tim Russon, who harvests around 1620 hectares of Miscanthus between Suffolk and Yorkshire, about Miscanthus harvest ’25…
Q: How are conditions for Miscanthus harvesting in your area?
A: Conditions are generally good, though the last two weeks have been more challenging in some areas.
Q: How do these conditions compare to previous years?
A: This year’s cutting conditions are exceptionally good – some of the best we’ve seen in recent years, especially compared to last year.
Q: How are the crops looking?
A: Overall, reasonable. However, some crops harvested late last year, which had already started to regrow, have been impacted due to running on green shoots and delayed cutting caused by poor ground conditions.
Q: What progress have you made so far?
A: We’re about 75% through harvest, with a significant portion already baled.
Q: Do you have any tips for growers?
A: Cut as soon as ground conditions allow. This helps the crop dry out and bale sooner, providing more time for weed control or remedial work before regrowth begins. The natural moisture in the crop takes longer to dry than rainwater, which evaporates quickly, so early cutting ensures a more even drying process.
