Miscanthus offers ‘profitable, resilient option’ in study

Growing miscanthus can improve farm business resilience – and increase profitability in less productive areas of the farm, says a crop specialist.

Despite high establishment costs, miscanthus delivers greater profitability than wheat and barley over a 10-year period, suggests Terravesta. Beyond this point, the crop’s low maintenance costs further boost returns.

As a perennial crop, miscanthus thrives on poorer quality land, is resistant to pests and can withstand extreme weather conditions – making it an ideal choice for diversification, explains Terravesta managing director Florian Ilias.

“Planting Miscanthus may initially appear financially challenging due to high establishment costs and delayed returns. However, this analysis shows that stable, long-term returns outweigh these initial hurdles.”

A farm growing 100ha of cereals will achieve a cumulative net margin of £342,920 over 10 years, suggests Terravesta. Although miscanthus takes five years to break even, the same area of the crop will generating £424,663 over the same period.

“Farmers are still better off with Miscanthus after 10 years compared to wheat and barley,” says Mr Ilias. “Beyond year 10, its low maintenance further improves profitability.”