Successful Willow Harvesting at Escrick Park Estate

Date:

October 16, 2024

Successful Willow Harvesting at Escrick Park Estate

Here at Eco Crops Ltd, we’re dedicated to providing our growers with a seamless and efficient harvesting experience, no matter what the weather throws our way. A recent project at the prestigious Escrick Park Estate in Yorkshire perfectly demonstrates this. Despite facing a day of relentless rain, our expert team successfully harvested approximately 25 acres of willow wood crops, minimising disruption and maximising yield for the estate.

While heavy rainfall can often put a halt to traditional harvesting methods, our harvesting solutions are built for all-weather performance. Our state-of-the-art forage harvester boasts a combination of features that allow us to operate efficiently all year round.

In particularly wet conditions, we assess the field, monitor soil conditions, and work closely with growers and landowners to determine the optimal time for harvesting, taking into account rainfall and forecasts.

Sustainable Harvesting Solutions

Firstly, Eco Crops’ New Holland FR780 forage harvester, NH T7-225 and T6-180 tractors, and Broughan trailers are equipped with large and wide low ground pressure flotation tyres. These specialised tyres distribute the weight of the machinery more evenly, minimising rutting and soil compaction, even on the wettest of days. This is a common issue with heavy machinery on wet land, but one that our harvester can avoid! Instead, the flotation tyres not only protect the valuable topsoil but also ensure the long-term health of the crop, promoting crop health and future growth.

Secondly, the harvester delivers industry-leading chopping performance. This ensures clean and precise cuts at the base of the crops, promoting optimal regrowth for future harvests, which leads to a more consistent and sustainable yield for our growers.

Thirdly, our FR780 harvester boasts a large harvesting capacity. This allows our team to work efficiently, minimising turnaround times and maximising productivity, even during challenging weather conditions.

The culmination of these features is a premium perennial wood crop harvesting service that delivers a number of key benefits for our clients:

Clean, precise cuts: This promotes optimal regrowth, leading to increased yields and long-term profitability for our growers.
High-quality virgin fibre woodchip: Our process produces clean, eco virgin woodchip that’s consistent in size with minimal dust, ensuring superior performance in a variety of applications.
Minimal soil compaction: Our low ground pressure tyres safeguard the health of the land, promoting long-term sustainability.
Year-round harvesting: Eco Crops operates in all weathers, offering our growers greater flexibility and peace of mind.

All-Weather Performance

A key advantage of partnering with Eco Crops is our ability to harvest perennial willow wood crops efficiently throughout the year. Our team will walk the crops before, during and after harvesting to monitor the ground conditions, while our low ground pressure machinery allows us to operate effectively, come rain or shine.

This translates to greater flexibility for our growers. You can schedule your harvest based on market demands and optimise your returns, without worrying about potential weather disruptions.

A Personalised Approach to Every Field

At Eco Crops, we understand that every grower is unique, and their land has specific requirements. That’s why our team takes a personal approach to each project.

Before we begin harvesting, our experienced team conducts a thorough inspection of each field, carefully assessing the terrain, crop density, and any potential obstacles.

This meticulous attention to detail allows us to tailor our harvesting approach to each individual field – ensuring maximum yields, optimal efficiency and minimal impact on the environment.

Uncompromising Quality

The precise chopping action and our meticulous harvesting process contribute to the high quality of the harvested woodchips. These clean virgin wood chips are clean and consistent with minimal dust, making them ideal for a variety of applications, including:

Biomass Boiler Fuel: Our high-quality eco wood chips provide a clean and efficient fuel source for biomass boilers, generating renewable energy with minimal environmental impact. The low dust content allows efficient combustion with reduced maintenance requirements.
Wood Briquettes: Our 100% natural eco heat logs offer a clean, efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional firewood to heat homes and businesses.
Animal Bedding: Our eco virgin wood chips offer a natural, comfortable, and absorbent bedding for livestock. It offers a healthy, cost-effective solution that promotes better hygiene and welfare.
Garden & Landscaping Mulch: Our willow woodchips and ramial chipped wood can be used as an attractive and functional eco mulch in gardens and landscaping projects. It’s ideal for suppressing weeds, retaining moisture, and enhancing the aesthetics of outdoor spaces.

Whether used as fuel for biomass boilers, natural eco-friendly animal bedding, or even garden and landscaping mulch, our virgin fibre woodchips deliver optimal performance.

Partner with Eco Crops Today

At Eco Crops, we believe in responsible and sustainable land management practices.

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient harvesting solution for your perennial willow or poplar wood crops, contact Eco Crops Ltd today. We offer a comprehensive service, from expert advice, planning and crop management to planting, harvesting and selling – all with ongoing support you can depend on.

Let us help you maximise your returns and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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