Solar infrastructure on agricultural land can be a heated topic among farmers in Australia.
Many are concerned because contracts with past projects removed good farmland from producing food and fibre for up to 30 years.
Nearby residents have also objected to the visual impact of large-scale solar farms on the landscape.
But two sheep producers in central west New South Wales want others to consider the benefits of their experience.
Both run operations within solar farms and say the infrastructure has actually improved their farm productivity.
On the outskirts of Dubbo, grazier Tom Warren produces wool and harvests the sun.
His merino sheep share 54 hectares with 64,500 solar panels owned by an energy company which generate up to 20 megawatts of electricity a day.
While Mr Warren still owns his land, fellow wool-grower Tony Inder sold his property in Wellington, south-east of Dubbo, to a solar developer.
His sheep now graze under the solar panels which produce 600 megawatts, enough to power 220,000 homes.
Both farmers say they’ve been surprised by the results of combining livestock and solar infrastructure on their properties.
Condensation on the panels provides run-off increasing moisture in the soil and grass as well as providing shade and shelter to the sheep.
Mr Inder says he’s is getting stronger, better-quality wool from his 3,500 sheep while Mr Warren has increased his stocking rate by 25 per cent.
They believe it’s important to highlight the positives they’ve experienced to help challenge lingering negative perceptions about solar developments.
By Pip Courtney and Cameron Lang via ABC Landline
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