Sustainable biomass crop establishment and end use options

Welcome to Sustainable Biomass Crop Establishment and End Use Options Event!

Date: Thu May 23, 2024

Time: 13:30 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)

Location: North Wyke

Join Biomass Connect and Rothamsted Research at our North Wyke Demonstrator Hub in Devon for an enlightening afternoon focused on the practical aspects of selecting, cultivating, integrating, and utilising a diverse array of biomass crops for fuel, animal health, and soil health on your farm.

This exciting demonstration event will be focused on sustainable biomass crop establishment and exploring the various end use options of biomass. Learn about the latest innovations and practices in the field of biomass production and utilisation.

Connect with experts, researchers, and industry professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities in sustainable biomass farming. Discover new technologies and techniques that can help improve crop establishment and maximize the end use of biomass products.

Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. See you there!

Programme

1.00pm Register / Tea & Coffee

1.30pm Introduction

We will start the afternoon with an introduction from Nicholas Allison (North Wyke) and Mark Needham (Biomass Connect)

1.45pm Trial Plots

This will be followed by a walk around the trial plots led by:

• Will Macalpine of Rothamsted Research, who will be speaking about: "Willow for Westcountry Farmers and how short rotation willow coppice can reduce farm costs and improve animal health while enhancing biodiversity."
• Steve Hunt of Bio Global Industries (BGI) will lead discussions on increasing soil health and fertility with composted woodchip, and other innovative uses of biomass crops.

3.00 pm Presentations

After the walk we will return to the marquee to hear from 2 further speakers:

• Speaker TBC - "Willow as Fuel for Farm Heating: Self-Sufficiency, Reduced Emissions, and Biodiversity Enhancements."
• Marton (Silvanus): "New Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Varieties: Fast Growing Timber for Self-Sufficiency and Profit."

3.45pm Cream Tea and Networking

Following these sessions, we invite you to enjoy a Devon cream tea while engaging in discussions with our guests from IBERS, Aberystwyth, who will be keen to share their expertise on breeding Miscanthus and to outline their innovative approach to making the most of the crop in the supply chain.

This promises to be an insightful event, offering practical advice and networking opportunities. We look forward to your presence.