A Miscanthus farm walk and power station tour will explore how farmers are benefitting from a renewable crop that's powering local homes, helping to offset farm carbon emissions, and providing a long-term sustainable income.

This event will take place on Tuesday 24^th September in north Lincolnshire, running from 09:30 to approximately 15:00 and will be held at the farm of Miscanthus grower, Colin Chappell, near Brigg, followed by a tour of Brigg Renewable Energy Power Plant. 

Co-hosted by Miscanthus specialist Terravesta and not-for-profit farmers buying group Woldmarsh, visitors will learn about growing, harvesting and supplying Miscanthus whole bales to Brigg Renewable Energy Power Plant, and about the importance of buying groups in modern UK agriculture.

Programme

9:30 Convene, tea and coffee with light snacks.

10:00 Introduction and talks.

·       Terravesta introduction from company chairman, William Cracroft-Eley, and insight into growing and selling Miscanthus from customer account manager, Mark Coleman,

·       An Introduction to Woldmarsh and why buying groups are more important than ever for UK agriculture, from Ian Dawson, membership services manager,

·       Miscanthus harvesting overview from award winning Lincolnshire-based contractor, Tim Russon, covering Miscanthus crop resilience,

·       Insight into growing Miscanthus from host arable farmer, Colin Chappell,

·       Rob Wood, fuel director at Brigg Renewable Energy Power Plant, will discuss the increased demand for Miscanthus bales as a high calorie feedstock,

·       Miscanthus field tour with Phil Greenway, crop consultant at Terravesta.

12:00  Light buffet at Sutton Arms, Scawby, followed by Brigg Renewable Power Plant tours in the afternoon.

About the Miscanthus grower

Despite the challenging year, Colin Chappell has been expanding his farming operations. This year, he planted an additional 4.7 hectares of Terravesta Athena^TM Miscanthus next to his current 26-hectare crop.

"British farmers are in unknown territory," he says. "Miscanthus offers numerous advantages, including long-term financial security, robust markets, and environmental benefits. With Miscanthus, you have to take a long-term view and look at the guaranteed returns from an upfront investment," says Colin.

"It provides an income each year, with next to no inputs post-establishment," he says.

"The Miscanthus fields teem with wildlife, including reed buntings, reed warblers, redshank, curlew, linnet, deer, and many underground species that thrive due to minimal soil disturbance. The crop is also a valuable carbon sink," he says.

Long-term, secure contracts

"Terravesta has a long-term contract to ramp up supply to 25,000 tonnes annually into Brigg Renewable Energy Power Plant," says Florian Ilias, Terravesta managing director. "We also have a long-term contract to supply Snetterton Renewable Energy Power Plant in Norfolk.

"Farmers attending this event will have 10% off the cost for spring 2025 Terravesta Athena^TM planting," adds Florian.

Bookings on the farm walk are free, and places can be reserved at www.terravesta.com/events.