If I plant a bioenergy crop today, when can I expect to see a financial return from selling the crop?
It is essential to identify a market for your bioenergy crop first. Compared with annually-harvested arable crops (which provide an income within 12 months of planting), the returns from selling a perennial bioenergy crop are delayed until the crop is ready for harvest (after two or more years). Tree crops are usually harvested every 3-5 years, although harvests on different plots may be staggered so as to provide a regular annual income. A field of switchgrass would not usually be harvested in the first year, to promote good establishment; thereafter it can be harvested annually, and should last for a 10-year rotation. Willow may be harvested from year 4, with subsequent harvests every 3 years, and replanting after 22 years (7 harvests). Poplar takes 6-10 years to reach harvest size for energy or fiber use. In short, like many investments, you should expect to wait a few years before the profits come rolling in.
