New Zealand: An array of factors in livestock farming under solar panels are mixed

Published 2024년 5월 8일

Tridge summary

In Waikato, New Zealand, farm consultant Rob McNabb discussed the integration of sheep farming with solar energy production, known as agrivoltaics, at a Beef + Lamb New Zealand field day. This innovative approach aims to increase land profitability while preserving its productive capacity. Key factors include the appropriate height of solar panels for sheep or goats, the impact on soil and light for pasture growth, and ensuring animal welfare. Benefits of this system include reduced water usage, enhanced forage and clover yields due to shading, and improved animal production. However, challenges such as infrastructure requirements, visibility for shepherding, and balancing feed supply with demand must be addressed. McNabb's model for a 110ha farm shows that with strategic management, including infrastructure investment and skilled sheep farming, agrivoltaics can be profitable.

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Original content

A Waikato farm consultant says sheep farming under solar panels can be complementary and profitable. There are, however, conditions to its success, Total Ag’s Rob McNabb said. McNabb was involved in the consenting process of some of the proposed solar farms being installed around Waikato. That process included showing a farm system on behalf of the applicants that can be presented to local government as part of the farm’s consenting application. He presented the system at a Beef + Lamb New Zealand field day on Lance and Robyn Kerr’s beef finishing farm in north Waikato. The Kerrs are building two solar farms on their property – a 6 hectare private farm and a110ha venture with Island Green Power. McNabb calls the system “agrivoltaics”, the integration of livestock production with solar energy. “The whole aim of this is to increase the profitability of the land while maintaining the productive capability,” he said. The height of the solar panels dictates what kind of livestock can ...

Source: Farmersweekly