"Helping Ohio Farmers Analyze the Risk of
Biomass Production"
David L. Marrison
39 Wall Street
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
440-576-9008
marrison.2@osu.edu
2013 Extension Risk Management
Education National Conference
April 2013
Abstract
• Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) is a
large warm-season grass and is a relative new
biomass crop in the United States. Experience in
Europe suggests giant miscanthus will be
productive over a wide geographic range in
temperate regions, including marginal
land. Northeast Ohio was chosen by the United
States Department of Agriculture as a Biomass
Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) project area in
June, 2011.
Abstract continued
This program is providing federal benefits to farmers
who transition part of their farm acreage to
miscanthus production. The BCAP designation had
many landowners and producers analyzing the
profitability and risk of converting acreage to a
Biomass crop. In response to the emergence of
this bio-fuel crop in Northeast Ohio, OSU Extension
has developed an educational and research
program to help local farmers. As part of this
program, educational workshops and tours have
been held to help educate these landowners and
producers.
Abstract continued
In addition a miscanthus research plot was planted at
the Ohio Agricultural Research & Development
Center (O.A.R.D.C.) Ashtabula Research Station in
Kingsville, Ohio in July, 2011. This plot is serving as
an educational and research tool. OSU Extension
has also developed a Miscanthus web resource
page and is developing economic budgets for
miscanthus in Northeast Ohio. This presentation will
share background information on Giant miscanthus
and share information on how OSU Extension is
helping landowners and farmers analyze the risk of
this Biomass crop. To date, over 4,000 acres have
been planted in Northeast Ohio.
Aloterra Sites
Why Northeast Ohio?
Two ports on Lake
Erie
Thousands of acres
of marginal ground
Cheap land rents
($40/acre average)
Interstate Highway
System
Soil Moisture
Miscanthus
• Perennial grass
crop.
• Potential of 1015 tons per acre
(or more)
• Will grow in
marginal soils
• Planted by
rhizomes
Planting equipment
Uses of Miscanthus
Home heating
Co-fire potential for energy plants
Greenhouse heating
Maple Syrup industry
Bio-product development (flooring,
construction materials, equipment
construction polymer)
Challenges/Limitations
Weather during
winter harvest
Farm rent
competition
Invasive nature of
miscanthus
Drought of 2012
Some community
back-lash
How is OSU Extension Helping
Farmers Analyze this New
Enterprise?
• Educational
Resources
– Factsheets
– Budgets
– Production Information
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Farmer Consultations
Field Days
Research Plot
5 year grant received
For more information
David Marrison
39 Wall Street
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
440-576-9008
marrison.2@osu.edu