Post by Atticus Pizzaballa on Aug 17, 2024 15:26:47 GMT -5
Sheep Keep the Grass Maintained at Local Solar Fields
CANASTOTA, N.Y. -- With solar fields popping up in the area, have you ever wondered how they mow the grass between panels? Well, some are using the most natural way possible—sheep.
A farm in Munnsville has a distinct business supplying grass-eating sheep to solar farms.
The trend of employing animals like goats and sheep for lawn maintenance has resulted in viral social media videos showcasing these natural grass cutters.
Why choose sheep over goats to cut the grass at these fields?
According to owners of Starlight Acres, Justin and Jamie Fuess, sheep keep their head down and focused on the task of grazing grass
In contrast, goats, like in cartoons, tend to chew on more than just grass.
The sheep are also heartier, according to the farmers, who supply their animals for what's called "solar grazing."
The Starlight Acres sheep stay at their designated locations for an entire summer, depending on the solar farm's size.
The Fuesses visit the animals almost daily, ensuring water buckets at the solar site are replenished. There are also mineral licks at the sites.
The animals are also secure in these solar fields because all the locations in the State must have fences around them.
With the security of the fence, provided shade of the solar panels and a consistent water supply and regular checkups, these sheep offer an all-natural alternative to gas-powered equipment.
The idea for this business originated from the Munnsville farmers' connection with a friend who founded the American Solar Grazing Association.
Additionally, the Fuesses are Cornell graduates with agricultural degrees. Their expertise equips them with the knowledge needed to care for these herbivores.
"We'll typically bring the sheep to the sites sometime in May," Jaime said.
"And depending on the specific site, we'll adjust the stocking density—the number of sheep that are there at any given time. We'll also rotationally graze, so you can see around here we've set up some temporary fencing. The sheep will move from paddock to paddock within the solar site itself. That's for our larger sites. Some of our smaller sites will rotate between sites depending on the acreage and the number of sheep we put on there," she added.
The farm employees about 300 sheep, grazing at several sites in the area.
Justin said that business is great.
"It's a little weird because our farm sits empty all summer because they're out here working and then everything comes home in the winter, and you're busy again at home, and you don't go anywhere. So, it's a seasonal job that's different every day, but I think that's part of the thing that I like about it. It's not really consistent. But so far, it's so cool that they do it so naturally.
He added, "There's nothing really special we have to do," when discussing the needs of the sheep while in the fields.
When summer ends, the sheep return to the farm on Miller Road.
Justin highlighted the positive response from landowners and municipalities witnessing the sheep clearing grass.
"Everyone that we've worked with," Justin said, "they love them."
"So far," he continued, "they really enjoy it. ...We keep getting more acres, so it seems to be going well. Everyone loves the pictures. It's a great picture to post on your website and everything."
Currently, those 300 sheep at the Fuess farm are working on about 100 acres, encompassing both private and municipality-owned sites.
"It's natural, usually more cost-effective, and it promotes a healthy environment," Justin said of the business.
"They're lawnmowers who fertilize right behind them. ...Rather than just a clear-cut mow several times a year, they're actually promoting a healthier ecosystem," he added.
For more about Starlight Acres, click here.
www.wktv.com/news/local-business/sheep-keep-the-grass-maintained-at-local-solar-fields/article_5f9c542c-5c04-11ef-8134-2f73c9254993.html