What does it take to rebuild a family farm after the collapse of a once-reliable industry?

Meet Jonathan and Jen Northrop, third-generation farmers from Upstate New York who turned a devastating loss into a new opportunity. When the pandemic disrupted the dairy market, the Northrops made the difficult decision to sell their herd and close their independent dairy. Instead of walking away from farming, they pivoted—growing a diversified business that includes solar grazing, hay production, and direct-to-consumer meat sales.

Today, the Northrops graze sheep on local solar installations, turning underutilized land into a source of steady income and long-term growth. Their farm is once again a place of possibility—not just for themselves, but for their four young children. Their story is a powerful example of how resilience and innovation can help family farms thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

You can read and download Jonathan and Jen’s story below: