Steady lease payments from clean energy developers have enabled rancher Greg Kesler to more than double his land holdings and expand cattle operations in Millard County. The economic benefits also extend into adjacent regions, where projects provide substantial property tax windfalls for local school districts. However, the rise of solar installations on rural acreage has prompted state lawmakers to restrict tax incentives to curb the conversion of productive farmland. Kesler contends that using lower-yield acreage for clean energy remains essential for preserving broader farm viability.
Key points
Solar leases offer predictable revenue streams that allow agricultural producers to reinv…: Solar leases offer predictable revenue streams that allow agricultural producers to reinvest in cattle and family operations.
Renewable energy installations generate millions of dollars in tax revenue that directly…: Renewable energy installations generate millions of dollars in tax revenue that directly support rural school districts and community resources.
State policymakers face tension between preserving working farmland and allowing property…: State policymakers face tension between preserving working farmland and allowing property owners to monetize low-productivity acreage through energy projects.
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For generations, ranching has meant working the land the traditional way: raising livestock, growing feed and making the most of every usable acre. For Greg Kesler, however, some of his Utah ranch has found an unexpectedly productive second life. On portions of his Double Dollar Ranch where agriculture produced relatively little, rows of solar panels now generate electricity and a steady income that has helped the family expand its cattle and horse operation.
According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Kesler’s ranch in Millard County has more than doubled in size during the past decade. The transformation has been driven not simply by livestock or horse-related activities, but by a decision to lease about 1,100 acres to solar developers.
Turning unproductive acres into an asset
According to the online media reports, the solar developers own and operate the panels, while Kesler earns lease income from the land. For a rancher operating in an industry where rising costs can quickly erode margins, that dependable revenue has provided a valuable financial cushion.
The opportunity was particularly attractive because the land used for the…
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