Miscanthus, above, is one of two bioenergy grasses being examined in a new University of Missouri Extension publication

Producers considering growing switchgrass or miscanthus as bioenergy crops can gain some financial advice from a new University of Missouri (MU) Extension publication.

“Switchgrass and Miscanthus: Economics of Perennial Grasses Grown for Bioenergy,”  available online, was written by Joseph Dolginow and Ray Massey of MU’s Commercial Agriculture Program. The guide’s goal is to help Missouri producers understand the financial rewards and risks associated with the decision to plant either of these grasses.

It provides basic information on the crops, a discussion of how federal, state and local policies and rulings can impact management and markets and a look at projected financial returns. Contractual considerations that producers should understand before growing biomass are also covered. Those include contract length, plant ownership, harvesting, storage and transportation, energy premiums and carbon credits, counterparty risks and price.