On Gayle and Tom Lee’s farm, sustainable agriculture is on show as the sheep snooze and graze in the shade of solar panels.
Sheep and solar panels existing in harmony. Photo: Tessa Stevens
This is a regular occurrence on their property in Victoria’s Glenrowan West, which hosts a 500-acre solar farm and a flock of very happy sheep.
“They [sheep] understand more of the weather than we do,” Tom said.
“When it’s raining, they hop under the panels and in summer they sit under them in the shade. We think they appreciate and go with the panels quite well.”
Gayle and Tom have long been doing what they can to tackle climate change on their farm, so when they were approached in 2017 about building a solar farm on their property, they didn’t hesitate.
“We’ve been planting trees and undertaking projects looking toward climate change issues for many years. So, when this [solar farm] was put to us we didn’t hesitate in terms of what we can contribute to renewable energy and climate change,” Gayle said.
Gayle and Tom Lee. Photo: Tessa Stevens
While there have been challenges along the way – such as maintaining the grass and fertilising the soil under the solar panels – the positives have outweighed any issues.
“We’ve found it be very beneficial. It’s enhanced our income and ability to maintain the farm. Farmers can play a part and still maintain their livelihood.” Gayle said.
Tom explained that the solar farm also acts as a safety net for harder times.
“You are drought proofing the farm because you have a separate income,” Tom said.
As for the current debate around transmission lines? Gayle suggests there’s no need for concern.
“We’ve had transmission lines through the property since 1968 and they haven’t impacted our farming operations at all,” she said.
Sheep grazing on the Glenrowan West property. Photo: Tom Kinsman
Gayle and Tom are confident that Australia can have a thriving, sustainable agriculture industry and encourage other farmers to consider looking toward renewables.
“It’s up to each individual farmer but we’ve found it to be very beneficial and we’d recommend other farmers look at various renewable options to run with their agriculture operations,” Gayle said.
Their advice for farmers considering renewable options?
“Look at it carefully and assess what it means to them as a farmer,” Tom said.
“You don’t necessarily need to take into account every neighbour, but you do need to be mindful of how it will impact them and look at the community benefit of having a solar farm or renewable facility.”
Gayle and Tom are just two of the many regenerative farmers leading the way in sustainable agriculture.
