Farmer makes surprising discovery after letting sheep graze alongside solar panels: ‘A massive leg-up’
Sheep farmers in Britain are finding an unexpected lifeline through solar grazing, where flocks are fed grass growing under energy panels. protector.
Here’s how editing works: solar power plants Vegetation under the panels needs to be controlled. Traditionally, operators spend up to $67,000 per year on lawn mowing and spraying.
Sheep do this job much cheaper. Unlike heavy machinery, animals can access tight spaces and continue working regardless of weather conditions.
For farmers, the deal is even sweeter. Many solar operators offer grazing rights at no cost, opening the doors to producers who would otherwise be priced out of the industry.
Hannah Thorogood, who built her Lincolnshire farm from scratch, has experienced this first-hand.
“When I first started, 18 acres and 20 sheep was all I could afford,” he told the Guardian. “Now that I can graze this land for free, I have 250 acres of land and more than 200 sheep. Solar grazing has given me a big boost.”
Sheep populations in the UK have fallen record low figures Manufacturers faced rising input costs, unstable markets and shrinking margins. Free grazing access gives struggling farmers room to expand without covering land costs.
Dr., a farmer in south-east Lincolnshire. Liz Genever tripled the size of her herd after gaining access to nearby solar fields.
“If I could increase my flock to the full potential offered by the local solar farm, I could potentially increase my income from sheep from £20,000 to £60,000,” he told the Guardian. “It’s a really important opportunity for sheep farmers.”
Grazing sheep enriches the soil, encourages the growth of a more diverse range of plants and eliminates the need for chemical treatments. Solar fields provide additional security through on-site cameras, and panels block out harsh sun and winter storms for the animals below.
If you live near a solar facility with grazing programs, connecting with local operators can open the door to your own agricultural goals.
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