Why cover good growing ground with trees and solar panels?

Well, we are into the second week of February and St Valentine's Day is fast approaching. I would like to think thoughts of Spring are in the air, but unfortunately the weather is in the doldrums with gloom and a cold east wind.
January 24th saw Storm Eowyn strike - and what a storm! We have spent time since clearing fallen timber and repairing damaged fences so that the fields are stock proof for when we eventually turn the cattle out to grass.
Meeting so many people from all different walks of life, I try very hard to keep any political views neutral and unbiased. However, as a farmer with a built-in desire to grow crops and feed animals, thus producing food for the nation, I cannot understand the willingness to cover good growing ground with trees and solar panels.
Believe me, I'm in favour of solar panels for electricity, but site them on factory roofs and ground unsuitable for cropping.
Only last month there was one day when only one per cent of our electricity came from turbines and solar panels, so we still need other sources of power, whether it be from hydro or from some other form of fuel.
As an island, I feel it is important for us to be as self-sufficient as possible.
Moving on... I am pleased to welcome Terry into the fold. He is a very competent butcher and saves me from cutting chunks out of myself.

​Also in the shop, we have two new faces in Laura and Mandy. Charlotte has left to travel the southern hemisphere and Helen has left to move home and be more hands-on grandparenting.
​Finally, I'd like to say, Spring is sprung and the grass is rizz. Let's all go out and buy some fizz!
Happy Valentine's Day and stay safe,
David.