With wet conditions affecting early-planted winter and spring combinable crops, many farmers are re-evaluating their cropping strategies. The AD industry requires consistent feedstock, making maize and rye viable break crop options in certain regions. Could energy crops become a profitable and sustainable alternative for growers? 

The Benefits of Energy Crops for AD 

According to Norfolk contractor Steven Suggitt, energy crops offer multiple advantages, including double-cropping potential, soil health benefits through digestate application, and financial security. 

Suggitt Farm Services specializes in maize drilling, forage harvesting, digestate applications, and AD feedstock supply, serving six AD plants across East Anglia. Mr. Suggitt explains, "Many farmers are looking to extend their rotations and tackle black-grass, and alternative cropping such as maize and rye can play a role. Lower grain prices and sustained high input costs have made traditional cropping less appealing. By contrast, maize can be planted from mid-May to early June, ideally following a rye crop within the same year." 

Contract Growing and Land Letting for AD 

Farmers seeking more predictable returns may consider contract growing for AD plants or leasing land to plant operators. "With AD cropping, farmers know exactly what they are going to get," says Mr. Suggitt. "We calculate payments based on nitrogen costs, ensuring fair pricing that adjusts with input costs, helping cashflow planning." 

The most efficient AD cropping systems integrate digestate into nutrient management. "Our double-cropping system involves drilling forage rye in late October, harvesting in early June, and then strip-till drilling maize. This ensures soil is never left bare, reducing erosion risk and improving soil structure." 

Digestate: A Valuable Byproduct 

AD plants generate digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct that can replace synthetic fertilisers. "We apply solid digestate before drilling and liquid digestate in-crop, supplying all necessary nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Given rising fertiliser prices, digestate’s value has never been clearer." 

Weather Resilience and Harvesting Considerations 

Maize is a relatively resilient crop, but weather conditions during harvest pose challenges. "Last autumn was our wettest in 20 years, but advancements in strip-till technology have minimised soil disturbance and improved harvesting conditions." 

Farmers may worry about late maize harvests affecting subsequent crop establishment, but Mr. Suggitt reassures, "We start maize chopping in early September, allowing plenty of time for wheat drilling or cover crop establishment before spring cropping. Some farmers even follow maize with sugar beet." 

Choosing the Right Approach 

Farmers can engage in energy crop production through various models. "Some lease land, securing fixed returns, while others grow their own crops, selling by tonnage at harvest. The latter is often more profitable and allows farmers to optimise yields." 

Variety selection is crucial. "For AD, we favour stay-green maize varieties that retain bulk weight while maintaining the ideal dry matter content." 

A Sustainable and Profitable Future 

Growing energy crops is more than just an income opportunity - it’s part of a regenerative cycle that includes digestate application, improving soil health and sustainability. "On our farm, we achieved £1,423/ha profit over two crops last year. Given increasing farming uncertainties, energy crops can serve as a valuable break crop with financial and environmental benefits." 

Learn More at Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025 

To explore how energy crops can enhance farm profitability and sustainability, visit the Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2025. The event will showcase the latest developments in AD and energy crop management, offering valuable insights for farmers considering this opportunity. 

Don’t miss our expert led sessions: 

AD and Biogas - Speakers will share their experience and expertise in using biogas to reduce emissions. They will also delve into operational best practice and what support is available for farmers considering using AD technology.   

Biomass and Energy Crops - Exploring the ways energy crops can be adopted into a farming system, the diversification options they can provide and how they can work effectively alongside food production   

Register your free ticket for Low Carbon Agriculture 2025