**Title: Sheep and Pigs Join Forces with Solar Panels to Conquer Weeds**
Under the blazing sun, Janna Grier steps out of her pickup truck, ready to orchestrate an unconventional symphony of sustainability. In a quest against weeds, a flock of a thousand sheep, shaggy and determined, spend their third summer at a solar farm near Calgary, munching on greenery to keep the land clear and vibrant for over a hundred thousand solar panels.
Grier, a seasoned farmer with a passion for innovation, orchestrates this unique ecological ballet. For her flock, weeds are not nuisances but vital nutrients, packed with protein that fuels their bellies. Setting a new rhythm this summer, the sheep are joined by eight kunekune pigs, freshly introduced to graze alongside their woolly companions.
As the pigs trail behind her, Grier sees a future where agriculture and solar energy unite harmoniously. “In the next five to 10 years, we’re going to see tons of solar development and so there’s huge potential for it,” she envisions, tending to her flock and pigs with care.
The concept of “agrivoltaics” is burgeoning, with animals like sheep and pigs playing a key role in maintaining balance between solar energy production and agricultural preservation. The symbiosis between solar panels and grazing lands not only aids in weed control but also fosters a greener, more sustainable future.
Janet Annesley, from Calgary-based Kiwetinohk Energy, concurs on the importance of intertwining agriculture and solar ventures. She emphasizes the company’s dedication to preserving agricultural activities on their land, exploring the integration of crops or livestock with solar farms.
While landowner concerns initially led to regulatory moratoriums, the trend is shifting towards embracing and enhancing agrivoltaics. With the University of Calgary and other institutions delving into research to optimize coexisting solar and agricultural practices, the potential for growth and synergy is boundless.
For Grier and her expanding menagerie, the future looks bright. With the sky as the limit, the fields of solar panels beckon a chorus of sheep and pigs, working hand in hoof to conquer weeds and cultivate a sustainable landscape for generations to come.
Under the blazing sun, Janna Grier steps out of her pickup truck, ready to orchestrate an unconventional symphony of sustainability. In a quest against weeds, a flock of a thousand sheep, shaggy and determined, spend their third summer at a solar farm near Calgary, munching on greenery to keep the land clear and vibrant for over a hundred thousand solar panels.
Grier, a seasoned farmer with a passion for innovation, orchestrates this unique ecological ballet. For her flock, weeds are not nuisances but vital nutrients, packed with protein that fuels their bellies. Setting a new rhythm this summer, the sheep are joined by eight kunekune pigs, freshly introduced to graze alongside their woolly companions.
As the pigs trail behind her, Grier sees a future where agriculture and solar energy unite harmoniously. “In the next five to 10 years, we’re going to see tons of solar development and so there’s huge potential for it,” she envisions, tending to her flock and pigs with care.
The concept of “agrivoltaics” is burgeoning, with animals like sheep and pigs playing a key role in maintaining balance between solar energy production and agricultural preservation. The symbiosis between solar panels and grazing lands not only aids in weed control but also fosters a greener, more sustainable future.
Janet Annesley, from Calgary-based Kiwetinohk Energy, concurs on the importance of intertwining agriculture and solar ventures. She emphasizes the company’s dedication to preserving agricultural activities on their land, exploring the integration of crops or livestock with solar farms.
While landowner concerns initially led to regulatory moratoriums, the trend is shifting towards embracing and enhancing agrivoltaics. With the University of Calgary and other institutions delving into research to optimize coexisting solar and agricultural practices, the potential for growth and synergy is boundless.
For Grier and her expanding menagerie, the future looks bright. With the sky as the limit, the fields of solar panels beckon a chorus of sheep and pigs, working hand in hoof to conquer weeds and cultivate a sustainable landscape for generations to come.
