At the moment, solar panels only take up 0.1% of farmland—roughly the same amount as Christmas trees. However, solar firms prioritize fertile acreage, giving farmers like Andrew Dakin little voice.
The ancient brick barns are home to Andrew Dakin’s herd of beef, their breath steaming in the cold air.
This, together with scrawling hens and antique tractors, embodies the essence of a classic farmyard. But how long will this last? Landowner Andrew’s landlord wants to convert his pasture into a solar farm. Andrew is a tenant farmer.
“Our former way of life will never return. And I’ve spent my entire life working seven days a week on this farm. Since I was fifteen, I have not taken a vacation. Though it’s not because I didn’t want to, I enjoy being on this farm.”
This is the land his family has farmed for ninety-four years. He still resides at the farmhouse with his mother. Despite being given some compensation and being permitted to remain in his home, with the grazing
