Income Diversification for Organic Dairy in NY
The Pasto family of Spencer, NY is a multi-generational organic dairy farm with about 300 acres, which is a member of the Organic Valley Cooperative. They have leased 40 acres of their poorer hay ground to a solar developer, and will be managing the flock of sheep that will be grazing under the panels. This offers the Pasto family two new revenue streams - one from the solar lease, and another from the sheep business and grazing services. Organic Valley has supported the Pasto family with access to organic seed mixes for under the solar array.