In Mannington Township, New Jersey, a local planning board was set to vote on a variance request to install solar panels on a historic dairy farm. The Cadwallader family, who have been farming since the 1860s, view the solar project as a potential lifeline to avoid selling their land to developers. However, the proposal has sparked debate among board members and locals about the environmental impacts and the visual impact on the picturesque farm.

Historic Farm Faces Modern Challenges

Waldac Farm, owned by the Cadwallader family, is one of the last remaining dairy farms in Mannington Township. The family has been struggling in the volatile dairy industry and sees the solar project as a way to secure their future. The proposed 300-acre solar farm would generate enough energy to power 19,000 homes annually.

Community Concerns

During the planning board meeting, 98-year-old resident Alice Waddington warned that the Cadwalladers' farm is the last one milking cows in the town. Some board members, like Joanne Wright, expressed concerns about maintaining the town's 'scenic vistas' and rural, agricultural characteristics. Others questioned the environmental impacts on the soil, wildlife, and the nearby Delaware River watershed.

Balancing Agriculture and Renewable Energy

The Cadwalladers plan to implement 'agrovoltaics,' a combination of solar energy and agriculture. They intend to plant pollinator habitats and introduce 300 sheep to graze around and under the solar panels. This approach is supported by the New Jersey Farm Bureau.

The Cadwallader Family's Perspective

Andrew Cadwallader, a 22-year-old college senior and the family's only child, has been advocating for the solar project. He believes it is a necessary pivot to save the farm, which has been in the family for generations. The family would continue to raise sheep and possibly milk cows on a smaller scale.

The Decline of Small Dairy Farms

The Cadwalladers' situation reflects a broader trend in the dairy industry. Since 2005, the number of dairy farms in the United States has decreased by 70%, from 78,295 to 23,609. While overall milk production has increased due to modern genetics and large-scale farms, small farms like Waldac have been decimated.

Public Reaction

Andrew Cadwallader has been transparent about the project, making lengthy Facebook posts in local groups. While many comments were supportive or neutral, some focused on the visual impact of the solar panels. The family hopes the project will be approved, allowing them to continue farming and contribute to New Jersey's renewable energy goals.