In Mercer County, Kentucky, a unique collaboration between agriculture and science has led to a successful transformation of clean and affordable energy. A Kentucky utility company, KU, has partnered with Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill to utilize more than 200 sheep at one of the state's largest solar farms.
The sheep play a crucial role in maintaining the natural habitat and promoting biodiversity under the solar panels. Their ability to navigate easily beneath the panels allows them to do a superior job compared to traditional mechanical mowing or weed-eating methods. The project's success stems from the careful selection of 64 different native species that benefit the habitat while providing proper nutrition for the sheep.
KU spokesperson Daniel Lowry highlights the effectiveness of the sheep as a cost-efficient and eco-friendly solution for managing solar sites. The sheep's role in site maintenance has proven to be a viable and sustainable alternative to expensive mechanical methods.
Inspired by this success, other utility companies with solar panels are now following suit and incorporating sheep to manage their sites effectively.
For more information and to witness the sheep in action, visit LG&E and KU’s website. The partnership between agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable practices stands as a model for future initiatives seeking to balance environmental conservation and technological progress.
Photo Credit: istock-globalp
Categories: Kentucky, Livestock, Goats & Sheep