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Missouri Miscanthus harvest will be underway in the next few weeks
The weather turning colder can only mean one thing for Renew Biomass and MFiber - the annual Miscanthus harvest is nearing!
Renew Biomass grows Miscanthus on long-term contract agreements with farmers in southwest Missouri and mid-Missouri.
We recently sat down with Eric Allphin, The Renew Biomass Director of Agriculture, to get some insight into the harvesting year, along with some predictions, and information for the 2017 - 2018 season.
We recently sat down with Eric Allphin, The Renew Biomass Director of Agriculture, to get some insight into the harvesting year, along with some predictions, and information for the 2017 - 2018 season.
How much Miscanthus do you expect to harvest in 2017?
Allphin: The company will harvest approximately 3,700 acres during the 2017 harvest.
When does the harvest actually begin?
Allphin: We are expected to start harvest sometime mid to late December. The Miscanthus cane is drying slower this year due to late dormancy because of the unseasonably warm weather.
How much Miscanthus are you expecting from the harvest?
Allphin: We predict a record harvest this year. On average, we estimate a 1.5 ton per acre increase due to good weather conditions and fertilizer application by farmers. Last year Renew Biomass saw an average of 6.5 tons per acre. Staff and harvest crews are ready to start harvest as soon as the crop reaches a moisture content of 20 percent.
How do you prepare for the harvest, and tell us a little about the equipment used?
Allphin: To prepare for a successful harvest season, Renew Biomass has dedicated harvest teams in both Missouri project areas. Each team runs custom equipment including one swather, two balers and one accumulator.
Our equipment is serviced and ready. This is our second year running our equipment so 
Eric Allphin, Director of Agriculture we expect a smooth and successful harvest season. In addition to our equipment, AgCo plans to conduct test harvesting with a prototype baler.
Eric Allphin, Director of Agriculture
With increased yields expected, Renew Biomass plans to expand their storage facilities in 2017 and will start hauling the large square bales immediately following harvest completion.
What's ahead for the 2017 - 2018 season?
Allphin: For the acres replanted in 2016, all replant acres will not be harvested this year. Farmers are encouraged to brush hog the first-year growth this year in preparation for next year. Renew Biomass planted approximately 1,000 new acres this year.
With the new acres coming into production next year we won’t need to plant in 2017 and will assess for 2018 planting.
Here's a video of what Miscanthus Harvesting looks like when using Massey Ferguson Swather:
Lynzee Glass, Director of Communications
Lynzee Glass has always had a passion for agriculture. Lynzee grew up in a small southwest Missouri town on her parents’ beef cattle operation. Her true appreciate for agriculture was developed during her involvement in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Lynzee attended Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications. After graduation Lynzee worked as the managing editor of Ozarks Farm and Neighbor newspaper, a regional livestock publication, where she had the opportunity to share the stories of Ozark farmers. Throughout that time, Lynzee was published over 100 times. Under her direction as managing editor, Ozarks Farm and Neighbor was award first-place in newspaper- general excellence by the Livestock Publications Council. She has also been recognized in the industry for her writing and photography skills.
Today, her role as Director of Communications gives her the opportunity to continue working in agriculture. Lynzee oversees the website, social media, event planning, marketing and advertising.
When Lynzee is not at the office she can be found volunteering within her church, serving as the marketing chair for Missouri State University Darr School of Agriculture Alumni and spending time with family and friends.