At the heart of Waitangi Farm’s success is its collaboration with Lightyears Solar. The solar company leases land from the Upchurch family, installing panels that generate enough clean energy to power 600-700 homes. Crucially, the land beneath these panels remains productive for agricultural activities, making the solar-covered area the most profitable part of the farm on a per-hectare basis. This synergy between renewable energy and farming redefines land utilization.

Beyond the solar operation, the farm strategically integrates Berkshire pigs and cattle. The pigs, renowned for their high-quality meat, are fed excess windfall produce from the farm’s fruit and nut trees, along with food scraps sourced from a local supermarket. This not only minimizes waste but also enriches the soil with valuable nutrients. Young heifers are then rotated through the land to graze on tougher grasses left untouched by the pigs, further optimizing pasture management.

This multifaceted system not only significantly boosts the farm’s financial returns but also aligns with the owners’ ambitious environmental goals. The farm is actively working towards reducing its carbon footprint and potentially achieving carbon neutrality. The solar panels themselves contribute to ecological benefits, providing shelter for livestock and reducing water evaporation, which helps maintain greener pastures even during dry spells, enhancing farm resilience.