At Coleg Sir Gâr agricultural students are gaining valuable insights into how biomass production can be integrated into modern farming practices. As part of their course, students studying for the City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture had the opportunity to engage with Mark Needham, a representative from Biomass Connect, on Friday, 20th September.
Mark was invited to the Gelli Aur campus and Agricultural research Centre ( ARC) , in the Tywi Valley, Carmarthenshire, to share knowledge about the potential of biomass in the agricultural sector. His presentation focused on the Biomass Connect project, which is funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). DESNZ sees biomass as an important tool in the UK’s efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions, and Mark’s talk emphasized the role agricultural students could play in this emerging sector.
Key discussion points from the talk:
Types of biomass crops:
Mark highlighted various crops that can be grown for biomass, discussing factors such as the type of land required, and the agronomy involved.
Students explored the potential of growing biomass crops, including the advantages and challenges of integrating these crops into existing farming systems.
Multifunctional uses of biomass:
Beyond just energy, biomass crops offer raw materials for various industries such as building materials, pharmaceuticals and biochar production.
Mark explained how these crops also have environmental benefits on farm, including biodiversity enhancement, soil improvement and water management.
Miscanthus for livestock bedding:
A particularly engaging topic for the students was the use of Miscanthus as an alternative to cereal straw for livestock bedding. Given the high price of straw this year, which resulted from poor sowing, growing, and harvesting conditions, students were eager to learn about alternative options.
Mark shared details about how IBERS’ Miscanthus crop was harvested using conventional grassland machinery and used as cattle bedding. He explained that Miscanthus performed well in straw choppers, a common tool on livestock farms, and that the cattle were just as clean and comfortable as they were on traditional straw beds.
Student projects on miscanthus:
As part of their final year, the students will complete projects of their choice, and many showed interest in researching the benefits of growing, processing, and using Miscanthus for rearing and growing calves at the college. This project will allow them to delve deeper into how Miscanthus can reduce costs, improve sustainability, and meet local farming needs.
Broader implications of biomass:
Decarbonizing: The presentation reinforced the importance of biomass in reducing the agricultural sector’s carbon footprint, helping the UK meet its climate targets.
Diversifying farm income: Growing biomass crops offers farmers alternative revenue streams, particularly through the production of biofuels, biomaterials, and livestock bedding.
Practical application: The opportunity to undertake projects like the use of Miscanthus for livestock bedding provides students with hands-on experience, preparing them for careers in sustainable farming and renewable energy.
Through discussions like this and hands-on research opportunities, students at Coleg Sir Gâr are preparing to enter an agricultural industry that increasingly relies on sustainable practices and innovative technologies. The emphasis on biomass production equips them with the knowledge to contribute to greener farming solutions while exploring new business opportunities.
