Kidderminster-based sheep farmer Marcus Wilson is now yielding 14 tonnes per hectare from his miscanthus crop, which he puts down to forward planning and careful nurturing.
Mr Wilson will showcase the successful crop on a farm walk on Thursday the 6th of October, organised by miscanthus specialist Terravesta.
“It is hard to believe that the fields where the tall Miscanthus crops are now thriving were all grass until 2016,” he said. “We built up the Miscanthus area over six years and all of the hard work, planning and commitment to the long-term crop is really paying off now.
“We already yield between 10 to 14 tonnes per hectare of Miscanthus, depending on conditions – and we are expecting that figure to keep rising over the next couple of years. We have faith in the crop and have had tremendous support from the Terravesta team.”
Mr Wilson also has 20 hectares of permanent grass on the farm, as well as 200 ewes. With volatility in the sheep market, he saw miscanthus as a good buffer which would provide an assured income with minimal costs.
He added that putting the time and effort into the planting and crop establishment was crucial to his success, which took a fair amount of planning.
“When it is established, the crop takes care of itself,” he said.
To register for the farm walk, go to www.terravesta.com