Why miscanthus? Why biomass?
I believe biomass will be required for energy and chemical use in the very near future. I know economical technologies are available to process raw biomass into usable renewable products. The problem is that there is no biomass supply available. Miscanthus is to me the best option for producing large amounts of biomass next to fast growing trees. Trees are much more of a time commitment and upfront investment than what is realistic at this time. The grass grows fast, is hearty, and is perennial.
One day there will be a need for biomass farmers. I am one today. Miscanthus has been grown in many regions, by many farmers, and for many reasons. Still, it is not produced enough to matter in the Midwest United States. Europe has been slowly advancing in this renewable energy option, hopefully the lessons learned there and in this grant can help move the biomass farming career forward a few steps.
Growing Miscanthus @ University of Illinois
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thank you USDA's North Central Region (NCR) Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Farmer-Rancher grant program
This blog is being created and monitored to document the work of growing giant miscanthus grass. My father and I received a grant From the NCR-SARE to grow miscanthus for propagation and monitor the soil health throughout the process of standard growth and harvesting.
Titled " Growing and Propagating Giant Miscanthus for Biomass Production and Natural Resource Conservation"
I am for one thrilled as this is my open door to begin farming. This also a great opportunity for my father to learn a new plant to grow and maintain. We are very conservation minded when it comes to land husbandry and we want to determine if miscanthus is really the right fit for us.
The results from this study will be shared here and in local newspapers and interested citizens.
This project and all associated reports and support materials were supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture
NCR-SARE
Titled " Growing and Propagating Giant Miscanthus for Biomass Production and Natural Resource Conservation"
I am for one thrilled as this is my open door to begin farming. This also a great opportunity for my father to learn a new plant to grow and maintain. We are very conservation minded when it comes to land husbandry and we want to determine if miscanthus is really the right fit for us.
The results from this study will be shared here and in local newspapers and interested citizens.
This project and all associated reports and support materials were supported by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed within do not necessarily reflect the view of the SARE program or the U.S. Department of Agriculture
NCR-SARE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)