Welsh Government Launches Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Scheme with Support for Biomass Crop Growers
November 27, 2024
The Welsh Government has launched a new Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Scheme designed to support farmers and land managers in diversifying their agricultural activities. This initiative provides significant opportunities for those interested […]
Thrushes Nesting in Pollarded Poplar Trees at the BGI Demonstrator Hub
May 01, 2024
While performing a routine morning fence inspection an unexpected sight caught my attention – a bird gliding low towards the pollarded poplar trees...
Miscanthus variety trial planting at IBERS Demonstrator Hub
April 26, 2024
In addition to these, 5 of the Biomass Connect Demonstrator Hubs also have a Miscanthus variety trial which itself has two plots, a 2023 planting and a 2024 planting. The 2024 plots are currently being planted now, so here are some photos of the IBERS team in action planting out the variety trials into the 2024 plot.
IBERS Demonstrator Hub Miscanthus Harvest 2024
April 25, 2024
A selection of photos from the recent Miscanthus harvest at the IBERS Demonstrator Hub.The Miscanthus x giganteus was cut in the middle of March and then baled earlier this week using a round-chopper baler.
Demonstrator Hub Updates – March 2024
April 24, 2024
The month of March proved to be a wet one once again for many of the Demonstrator Hubs, but the signs of Spring are evident at all of them. Willows are in leaf and catkin and attracting insects with their early crop of pollen. The alder and poplar have buds at most sites and the black locust 'Turbo' has some yellow flowers showing at some of the hubs. All demonstrator hubs have removed the black locust 'Turbo Obelisk' ready for re-planting.
Demonstrator Hub Update – NIAB, Headley Hall – March 2024
April 24, 2024
A busy month at the Headley Hall site but the site is still pretty wet at the moment, there have been a few breaks in the weather but only long enough for things to dry out slightly efore the rain returns and makes everything wet again.
Demonstrator Hub Update – Newcastle University Cockle Park Farm – March 2024
April 24, 2024
All is looking good at Cockle Park Farm. There's been lots of activity throughout March and we are looking forward to seeing the results of our labour now that Spring is here.
Demonstrator Hub Update – BGI, Chesham – March 2024
April 19, 2024
The BGI Demonstrator Hub in Chesham has experienced lots of rain this month. This has hampered efforts to get onto the plots for planting, preparations and treatments but the crops continue to grow and will soon be in full leaf.
Demonstrator Hub Update – IBERS, Aberystwyth – March 2024
April 18, 2024
Generally across the IBERS site things have been looking healthy whilst dormant over the winter. Conditions have been very wet except during cold snaps when it has been below freezing.There has been some rabbit damage to certain crops and wind damage to others.
Latest Information Resources
Miscanthus for Livestock Bedding Factsheet
A double-sided factsheet with nformation about a project growing Miscanthus as animal bedding on one side, and some general Miscanthus facts and growing, establishment and harvesting information on the other side.Miscanthus for Animal Bedding and Miscanthus - A factsheet.
Type: Factsheet
Date: December 2024
Crop: Miscanthus
Keywords:
Growers Story: Eucalyptus and the Frost Challenge
This case study explores the problems faced by the Bodsworth's in a Eucalyptus plantation in Wales due to frost damage.
In a bid to explore biomass production for household heating and as a potential revenue stream, David and Susan Bodsworth of Tanllan Farm, Llangeitho, are keen to share their experiences with the farming community.
The Bodsworths’ story at Tanllan Farm highlights some of the challenges faced by farmers seeking to diversify into biomass production. David commented that although the Eucalyptus tree has a great potential for producing biomass, perhaps the location of his site was not entirely suitable.
Type: Case Study
Date: 12th December 2024
Crop: Eucalyptus
Keywords: Growsers Story, Eucalyptus
Presentation: Erisa Senerdem, Unlocking Agricultural Biomass Potential: Lessons from Forestry and Global Market Insights.
In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 8th November 2024, Erisa Senerdem brings valuable insights from global biomass markets for agricultural residues like sugarcane bagasse and palm kernel shells. Particularly pertinent were comments about the importance of product specification, seasonality of supply, price volatility and matching to end user technologies.
Type: Presentation
Date: November 2024
Crop: All Biomass Crops
Keywords: Biomass Connect Showcase
Presentation: Steve Smith, Carbon dioxide removal – the state of play and the global scale up challenge.
In this presentation given at the Biomass Connect Showcase on 8th November 2024, Steve Smith shared the findings of the “State of CDR” report, emphasising the global need for carbon dioxide removal technologies. Whether it’s trees, peatland restoration, biochar, wood products, or BECCS, the majority involve biomass in some way.
Type: Presentation
Date: November 2024
Crop: All Biomass Crops
Keywords: Biomass Connect Showcase
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