A walk around the farm and a tour of the power plant provide a glimpse into the long-term benefits of growing miscanthus

A walk around the Miscanthus farm and visit to the power plant will reveal how farmers are using a renewable crop that powers local homes, helps offset farm carbon emissions and provides long-term, sustainable income.

The event will take place on Tuesday 24^t The event will take place in September in north Lincolnshire, from 9.30am to around 3pm. The event will be held at the farm of miscanthus grower Colin Chapella, near Brigg, followed by a trip to Brigg Renewable Energy.

Co-organised by miscanthus specialist Terravesta and the not-for-profit Woldmarsh Farmers Buying Group, the event will provide visitors with an insight into the growing, harvesting and delivery of whole bales of miscanthus to the Brigg Renewable Energy Power Plant, as well as the importance of buying groups in modern UK farming.

Program

9:30 Meeting, tea, coffee and light snacks.

10:00 Introduction and lectures.

• An introduction to Terravesta from the company’s CEO, William Cracroft-Eley, and insights into growing and selling miscanthus from Customer Service Manager, Mark Coleman,
• An introduction to Woldmarsh and why buying groups are more important than ever to British farming, from Ian Dawson, Member Services Manager,
• A review of the Miscanthus collection from award-winning Lincolnshire contractor Tim Russon, covering the resilience of Miscanthus crops,
• Insight into growing miscanthus from farmer Colin Chapelle,
• Rob Wood, Fuels Director at Brigg Renewable Energy, will discuss the increased demand for miscanthus bales as a high-calorie feedstock,
• A tour of the miscanthus field with Phil Greenway, crop consultant at Terravesta.

12:00 Light refreshment at Sutton Arms, Scawby, followed by an afternoon visit to Brigg Renewable Power Plant.

About the Miscanthus Grower

Despite a difficult year, Colin Chappell has expanded his farming operation, planting an additional 4.7 hectares of Terravesta Athena this year^TM Miscanthus next to his current 26 hectare crop.

“British farmers are in uncharted territory,” he says. “Miscanthus offers a number of benefits, including long-term financial security, solid markets and environmental benefits. With miscanthus, you have to look at the long term and look at guaranteed returns on your initial investment,” says Colin.

“It brings in income every year, with virtually no outlay after starting the business,” he says.

“Miscanthus fields are full of wildlife, including reed warblers, reed warblers, black-tailed godwits, curlews, linnets, deer and many subterranean species that thrive on minimal soil disturbance. The plant is also a valuable carbon sink,” he says.

Long-term, secure contracts

“Terravesta has a long-term contract to increase supply to 25,000 tonnes per annum at the Brigg Renewable Energy Power Plant,” says Florian Ilias, Managing Director of Terravesta. “We also have a long-term contract to supply the Snetterton Renewable Energy Power Plant in Norfolk.

“Farmers participating in this event will receive a 10% discount on the 2025 spring edition of Terravesta Athena^TM “planting,” Florian adds. Reservations for the farm walk are free, and places can be reserved at www.terravesta.com/events