Innovative. Visionary. Problem-solver. These words are often used to describe Monarch Tractor, but we feel the same can be said for Mike Casey, owner and operator of Forest Lodge Orchard, a six-hectare (14.8 acres), high-density cherry orchard in New Zealand. In August 2023, Monarch Tractor went to New Zealand to deliver the MK-V to Forest Lodge Orchard. The MK-V electric tractor marked the keystone piece for Casey’s ambitious goal: a 100% fully electric farm.
Casey and his remarkable story were recently featured on the YouTube channel Everything Electric Show, hosted by Robert Llewelyn, for the episode, “The World’s First Fully Electric Farm!”
Forest Lodge Orchard is a shining example of what can be done today and what should be done, particularly in countries like New Zealand who have to import all their fossil fuel from really, a long, long way away.
Robert Llewellyn, Host, Everything Electric Show
Profit-Driven Decision
Forest Lodge Orchard’s electrification grew from fiscal decisions. Casey explains that New Zealand is at the point where fossil fuels are so expensive that the lifetime ownership costs of fossil fuel machinery was significantly more than that of the electric versions. As a result, Forest Lodge Orchard purchased more and more electric machinery.
The MK-V was the final piece of the puzzle for us. This tractor and everything it’s achieved . . . we basically do everything that a 90 HP diesel tractor can do with a 55 HP electric tractor. Instant torque changes the game!
Mike Casey, Owner & Operator, Forest Lodge Orchard on the Everything Electric Show
Energy Independence
Casey’s strategy put his farm in a unique position regarding energy generation and consumption. Historically, installing solar panels doesn’t offer an immediate, enticing payback. That is, until a farm increases its use of electrification. Casey’s farm has panels installed in the fields, on the warehouses, the barns, and even the house.
If you’re running diesel machinery it’s very hard to create your own diesel. You get to the point [with solar and electric machinery] of using energy you create yourself for your home and farm.
Mike Casey, Owner & Operator, Forest Lodge Orchard on the Everything Electric Show
Accounting for the total cost of infrastructure, installation, the panels, and even financing, Casey explains that his energy costs are a fraction of the price compared to what he’d be paying in diesel. He compares the savings to the equivalent of adding 1600 trees to his orchard and taking in the annual gross earnings of those trees.
An Energy Crop
Forest Lodge Orchard produces 200 megawatts (MW) hours of energy each year and of that, it uses 100 MW hours per year to run the farm. The farm has a 300 kWh battery storage system. Not only does this protect the farm against long-term high energy and fuel rates, but it also provides a second income stream. Casey says farmers have an opportunity to generate and store power when it’s inexpensive and sell it back at a higher cost. He gets one paycheck per year for his cherries, but he can sell energy back to the grid every month he generates extra power.
Power Move
Casey’s ambitions go beyond his farm. He wants to see the entirety of New Zealand rewire to electric. He calculates that adding solar panels to 80% of New Zealand’s homes and all of its farms, would meet demands. As for those who argue that the grid can’t handle it, Casey replies, “The grid can’t handle it if we continue to behave in the exact same way that we’re behaving. It’s smarter to make customers part of the infrastructure and drive down the price.”
Interest is building. Forest Lodge Orchard has hosted over 12,000 visitors in the last four years, with many being farmers. Farmers, especially dairy farmers, express eagerness to install solar panels after learning about Casey’s savings. It’s a significant mind shift for a sector that is traditionally totally reliant on fossil fuels.
Monarch Tractor is proud to support Mike Casey’s efforts and accomplishments in sustainable energy and food production!
