As profitable break crops become harder to find and arable rotations continue to tighten, maize grown for anaerobic digestion (AD) is emerging as a credible long-term option for some farms — combining rotational benefits with extended contracts, predictable returns and nutrient recycling.]
The loss of reliable break crops is well documented. Oilseed rape has carried elevated risk since the neonicotinoid ban in 2015, while spring barley performance has suffered in dry seasons. Pulses and oats continue to follow volatile supply-and-demand cycles, often eroding margins just as acreage expands.
“There’s an increasing struggle to generate consistent profit from break crops,” says Michael Jarmuz, chair of the Maize Growers’ Association (MGA) and feedstock development lead at Future Biogas. “Growers understand the need to diversify rotations for long-term business and soil health, but many options no longer stack up financially.”
Maize for AD is addressing that gap, offering contracts of up to 15 years, often with inflation-linked pricing, alongside digestate return and no requirement for growers to invest in harvest machinery.
From niche to mainstream
What was once considered a specialist crop has now reached significant scale. Future Biogas works with more than 400 growers across eastern and northern England, sourcing around 500,000 tonnes of silage annually. Supply ranges from small acreage blocks to large arable enterprises exceeding 2,000 acres.
“We’re still working with growers who signed up over a decade ago,” says Michael. “That level of continuity is unusual in arable farming and reflects the security these contracts can provide.”
Agronomic drivers
While economics are a major factor, agronomy also plays a key role. Later spring drilling and alternative chemistry help disrupt grassweed life cycles, particularly blackgrass and ryegrass, which continue to challenge autumn-based systems.
“Maize breaks the autumn and early spring germination window,” Michael explains. “That makes it a useful cultural control tool where resistance pressures are increasing.”
Experienced maize growers are also reassessing its role. Grain maize production has long been established in some areas, but AD contracts are attracting growers seeking reduced market volatility without changing agronomic practice.
Contract structure and logistics
Unlike combinable crops, maize for AD operates under managed supply contracts. Specialist teams assess crop maturity, coordinate harvesting and pay contractors directly, removing logistical complexity for growers.
“For some businesses, reducing harvest pressure across part of the rotation has wider machinery and labour benefits,” Michael notes. “Maize can be used strategically, not just as a crop but as a system tool.”
Digestate and soil benefits
Digestate return is central to the AD model. Growers typically receive nutrients back in proportion to the feedstock supplied, paying only for haulage and application.
“In parts of eastern England, organic nutrient sources are limited,” says Michael. “Digestate can play an important role in maintaining soil fertility and organic matter.”
While handling and application require adjustment for growers used to bagged fertiliser, uptake tends to increase once the value is understood.
Local supply chains
AD feedstock sourcing is highly localised, typically within a 10–15-mile radius of the plant. Maize accounts for around 70–75% of feedstock, supplemented by wholecrop cereals and grass.
Support for growers is provided through the MGA, which offers independent guidance on variety choice and best practice in the absence of an AHDB recommended list.
A strategic option
Maize for AD will not suit every farm. Proximity to AD infrastructure, soil type and rotational fit remain critical. However, where conditions align, it offers a rare combination of agronomic benefit, nutrient return and long-term commercial certainty.
“It’s not about chasing the highest margin,” Michael concludes. “It’s about finding a break crop that genuinely works — agronomically and financially — over the long term.”
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