Sheep & Solar Panels: The Solution For Struggling Local Farms?
By Craig Manning | Sept. 17, 2025
If you look closely next time you drive by the Heritage Sustainable Energy solar farm off M-72, you might notice an unexpected sight: a flock of sheep gobbling up the grass. And they aren’t there by accident. For several years, Heritage has contracted with a local sheep farmer to ensure that plants aren’t getting overgrown and blocking sunlight from reaching the solar panels. It’s an example of a new trend called “agrivoltaics,” which both the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities and the Michigan State University Extension see as a potential gamechanger for Michigan’s embattled agricultural industry.
“I've worked with Michigan farmers for over 30 years, and when I sit across …
Read More >>Crooked Tree To Host First Annual Fundraiser
Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City (CTAC - TC) will host its first annual fundraiser, A Decade of Impact: Celebrating Art, Building …
Read More >>City Readies Ethics Ordinance
Traverse City commissioners could soon approve language for a new ethics ordinance that would help guide behavior …
Read More >>
Parks, Streets on City Agenda
Traverse City commissioners will vote tonight (Monday) to approve a list of park projects that will receive …
Read More >>Animals Take the Spotlight in Northern Express
Animals take the spotlight in this week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker - including …
Read More >>Today Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Barney Road Construction, Closure Starts Monday
Read More >>NMC Partners With Grand Valley, Notre Dame For Groundbreaking New Marine Technology Program
Read More >>Beating The Curve: A Look at Traverse City’s Grade-A Summer 2025 Tourism Season
Read More >>Two Killed in Mayfield Township Crash
Read More >>
TCAPS Updates: Sabin Expansion, Strategic Plan, Lunch Funding
Read More >>$250,000 On the Line at Upcoming Pitch Competitions
Read More >>East Bay Trustees Review TIF District, Approve Housing Tax Exemption
Read More >>Food Trucks, Preschool, US-31 Development on Garfield Agenda
Read More >>Traverse City West Alum Hired To Coach Girls Varsity Basketball
Read More >>State Park Pedestrian Bridge Planned for Removal September 20-21
Read More >>
