How does solar grazing benefit farmers like Hannah Thorogood?

Solar grazing allows farmers to use land on solar farms for free grazing, enabling them to expand flocks and businesses.

What is the economic impact of solar grazing for UK sheep farmers?

It can significantly increase income potential and provide a crucial toe-hold in an industry with high land costs.

Are there any downsides to solar grazing on solar farms?

Concerns include the potential loss of agricultural land and reduced biodiversity if grazing is over-maximized.

Home / Environment / Solar Sheep: Farming's New Frontier

Solar Sheep: Farming's New Frontier

14 Jan

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Summary

Sheep grazing on solar farms offers farmers affordable land access.
Solar grazing can significantly increase a farmer's income potential.
This practice provides a vital opportunity for new and small farmers.

Solar grazing, the practice of using sheep to manage vegetation on solar farms, is emerging as a vital opportunity for UK farmers. First-generation farmer Hannah Thorogood credits free grazing on solar land with enabling her to expand from 18 acres and 20 sheep to 250 acres and over 200 sheep. This model offers a significant leg-up in an industry where land is often prohibitively expensive.

Dr. Liz Genever, another Lincolnshire farmer, has tripled her sheep numbers due to solar grazing and estimates a potential income increase from £20,000 to £60,000. Nicola Noble of the National Sheep Association highlights this as a valuable opportunity for younger or smaller farmers, particularly as UK sheep flocks have fallen to record lows amid high costs and market uncertainty.

While praised as a triple-win for farming, renewables, and society, concerns exist. Fraser Key, a solar farm owner, warns against covering too much agricultural land with panels. Guy Parker notes that maximizing grazing can reduce biodiversity value, and Nicola Noble points out the risk of grazing being a PR tactic that never materializes. Despite these caveats, solar grazing offers a much-needed entry point for farmers facing land access barriers.