FARMERS looking to hedge the uncertainty of Brexit are being invited to consider growing miscanthus, an energy crop that is claimed to offer a long-term, stable income, as well as helping the environment.

Miscanthus is a hardy perennial crop that’s harvested annually and has the potential to give the farmer a return of over £900 per hectare from mature yield. It grows up to 14 feet high, providing a habitat for wildlife, benefitting soils and absorbing more carbon than it releases in its lifetime.

Yorkshire farmer, Richard McNeil, is showcasing his miscanthus crop on a farm walk taking place on February 28 so that other farmers can see how it’s worked for him.

“We planted 24 hectares of miscanthus is 2008, when cereal crops were making £60 per tonne, and it’s offered a stable income since,” said Mr McNeil, who sells the biomass via Terravesta, the miscanthus supply chain specialists who have been growing its market.

“We’re thinking of planting more miscanthus, because it’s a low input crop which generally takes care of itself, and its harvested in the spring, meaning labour and farm machinery is available and the price of contracting isn’t as competitive as the summer months,” he said.

Not only has the crop benefitted the farm business financially, but according to Richard, it has increased the biodiversity on the farm, and soil records show that over eight years, with no fertiliser applied to the miscanthus, the soil has maintained the same level of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.

“The limited inputs in miscanthus, the benefits to wildlife, soil health, and the price security means that it’s a no brainer for me. Terravesta has long term contracts with power stations, which At the imminent farmwalk, the Terravesta team will outline the life-cycle of the crop, and harvest best practice and timings. They will offer planting advice, inform on machinery requirements, update on the crop inputs needed, and financial returns available.

Delegates will also have the chance to view miscanthus fields, ask questions, and be given a light lunch, where there's the opportunity to chat with the team and other farmers about the crop.

To book a place, visit www.terravesta.com, or e-mail Jacob Duce at jacobd@terravesta.com.