Farmers can register for a webinar on introducing solar energy generation on livestock farms.

The free Agrivoltaics (use of land for both food and energy production) webinar starts at noon on Thursday and looks at research on sheep and beef farms in Canterbury where they found a significant opportunity to increase farm profitability with livestock grazing beneath solar panels., particularly with sheep.

However, this did come with extra borrowing to install the solar panels - with the capital cost being a potential barrier.

Hosted by agribusiness consultancy Tambo and the Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Engineering, the webinar will explore the improved gross margins, animal productivity and environmental outcomes as well as challenges of this dual land use option.

Speakers include a local district council planner, researchers, and a solar farm developer. Canterbury has significant area that is suitable for agrivoltaics.

Register online here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/webinar-on-agrivoltaics-for-livestock-farming-tickets-700564135187

• Sharon Davis