Devon, 26th September – Despite blustery and showery weather, Biomass Connect and Rothamsted Research successfully hosted an engaging event at the North Wyke Demonstrator Hub. The event attracted 47 participants from various sectors within the emerging biomass supply chain and focused on the practical integration of biomass crops—such as willow, poplar, and Miscanthus—into farming and land management systems. It demonstrated how these crops can support a holistic approach to livestock farming by providing fuel, fodder, and bedding as end products, and the environmental benefits of the crops whilst in the field.
The day began at 1:00 pm with tea, coffee and a welcoming introduction, where Biomass Connect outlined its role in fostering an information-sharing platform and bringing interested parties to demonstrator hubs to see these crops in the ground. The event was tailored in response to local farmers’ and landowners’ requests for more information on incorporating biomass crops into current farming operations.
Key speakers explored various topics. Simeon Day, from the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Service (FWAG) discussed the benefits of agroforestry for livestock farming. He highlighted how good planning can optimise the advantages of tree cover for both silvopasture and silvo-arable systems. He emphasized improved animal welfare, increased productivity, and enhanced ecosystem services, noting that these systems are financially supported in the Sustainable Farming Incentive ( SFI) schemes for both the planning and establishment costs.
Scroll through the gallery below to see the presentation slides.
Lindsay Whistance from the Organic Research Centre (ORC) spoke on the nutritional value of tree species for livestock, underscoring the importance of a multi-species approach. She highlighted the nutritional benefits of species like willow, while cautioning against the risks posed by others, such as yew. Her insights aligned with ongoing tree trials at the Demonstrator Hubs, where willow and alder are being grown.
Lindsay’s presentation slides can be seen below.
William Macalpine from Rothamsted Research discussed advancements in breeding new short rotation coppice (SRC) willow varieties, supported by the UK Government’s Biomass Feedstocks Innovation Programme. The project utilises genomic selection to accelerate breeding for improved yield and disease resistance, with willow genotypes being tested across various UK environments. Will emphasised the importance of breeding for sustainable production.
See William’s presentation slides in the gallery below.
Attendees were then taken on a tour of the trial plots, where experts such as Kevin Lindegaard, William Macalpine, and Bryan Elliot spoke about the agronomy and potential end-uses of biomass crops. Mike Cooper from Miscanthus Nurseries led a discussion on the importance of proper crop establishment and highlighted the growing demand for Miscanthus in energy production, animal bedding, and packaging markets.
The event concluded with a networking session over a traditional Devon cream tea, giving participants the opportunity to connect with others from across the industry and exchange ideas on advancing a sustainable biomass industry.
