Demonstration on Wood Energy from Farm Forestry

Teagasc in association with Waterford Institute of Technology and the Forestry Development Association Co-operative ran a very successful demonstration of machinery suitable for wood energy production from farm forestry recently.  This event was attended by approximately 400 people. Most of those who attended were owners of farm forestry approaching first thinning.

The very successful demonstration was held at Lisronagh near Clonmel and was attended by people from all over Ireland. It was the first of such demonstrations.

With the increasing cost of fossil fuels many are now considering the option of producing their own firewood for use in their own homes and also for sale. In addition the possibility of selling wood chips for energy is now becoming a reality for farm forestry owners as more and more wood-based heat and power options are installed throughout the country.

Of particular interest on the day were the various machines for extracting thinnings from farm forests, including a quad-based system with timber arch and a tractor and self-loading trailer.

Several wood chippers were demonstrated and in addition to the use of wood chips for energy production there was particular interest among farmers in the use of wood chips for out-wintering pads for cattle. Many expressed an interest in adopting this approach on their own farms.

An impressive array of log splitters and firewood processors were on show, ranging from the domestic scale to commercial production scale.  These make the job of firewood production more feasible. Several machines were sold on the day and there have been significant enquiries since the event.

Teagasc forestry advisory staff outlined the importance of good forest management when harvesting for energy. The need to plan well in advance was the key message that John Casey, Teagasc Forestry Adviser, Mallow emphasised, as felling licences and road construction can take some time to organise.  “The use of appropriate harvesting and extraction techniques are crucial to the success of the operation both in terms of the wood energy harvest and ensuring that the remaining crop is left in optimal condition” concluded John Casey, speaking at the event.

Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Adviser, speaking to a group about the importance of good preparation in harvesting for wood energy at the recent demonstration

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Teagasc by

Larry O’Loughlin, A/Head, Public Relations Department, Teagasc,

Tel: 059 918 3408; 087 256 2434;

Email: loloughlin@hq.teagasc.ie