Winner of Protein Crop Grower of the Year at the 2023 National Arable and Grassland Awards, Colin Chappell will invite growers onto his ground, near Brigg, North Lincolnshire to discuss how miscanthus can provide additional income and help offset farm carbon emissions.
The event takes place on the 24th of September, running from 9.30 to 15.00 and will include a tour of the nearby Brigg Renewable Energy Power Plant.
It’s co-hosted by miscanthus specialists Terravesta and the farmers’ buying group Woldmarsh, and will provide information on growing, harvesting and supplying miscanthus bales.
Growing the acreage
Despite a challenging year, Colin has expanded his farming operations, including an additional 4.7ha of Terravesta’s Athena miscanthus, alongside the 26ha already established.
“British farmers are in unknown territory. 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.
“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.
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 planting.”
You can book your place at the free event by going to www.terravesta.com