Forest Lodge Orchard Blog

we're pioneering sustainable farming and energy innovation by transforming our orchard into a "mini power plant." With 216 solar panels, advanced batteries, and a 100% electric setup, we're not only self-sufficient but also generating and exporting energy to the grid. Partnering with Aurora Energy, we buy electricity at low prices and sell surplus power during peak demand, contributing to the local network and turning a profit. By optimizing energy usage and embracing renewables, we aim to achieve a negative $10,000 power bill, proving that sustainability can lead to both environmental and financial gains.

Spring has arrived here in Central Otago, and our orchard is buzzing with life as our cherry buds awaken from their winter rest.

Spring has sprung at Forest Lodge Orchard! Dive into the blossoming world of our Central Otago cherry trees as they awaken from winter. Discover how nearly a million bees from Taylor's Pass Honey play a crucial role in pollination, and explore our innovative, eco-friendly frost protection methods—including electric fans and micro sprinklers—that safeguard our delicate buds. Join us on our journey of growth, sustainability, and the promise of another delicious cherry season!

At Forest Lodge Orchard, we're transforming the way farming and energy coexist. Curious about how we're turning our power bill into a profit? Dive into our latest blog post to learn how we've upgraded to advanced 300-volt batteries, installed a 100-kilowatt solar array, and partnered with Aurora Energy to sell surplus power back to the grid. We're not just reducing our carbon footprint—we're creating new revenue streams and pioneering sustainable practices in agriculture. Join us on our journey toward a negative $10,000 power bill and see how renewable energy is reshaping the future of farming!

We're excited to announce the arrival of our groundbreaking Panasonic battery system developed with Sunvolt Enterprises. Want to know how we've upgraded from a 48V to a 300V system, enabling us to generate, store, and even export power back to the grid? Dive into our latest blog post to discover how this cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing our orchard's sustainability and profitability. Join us on our journey toward an electric future in farming and see how we're leading the way in modernizing energy practices in New Zealand's agriculture industry!

We recently attended the Electrifying Queenstown event at the stunning Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, where businesses and community leaders gathered to discuss making Queenstown the world's first fully electric city. Our own Mike Casey shared our journey toward an electric farm and introduced our fully electric Monarch MK-V tractor, sparking excitement among attendees. Curious about how electrification is transforming industries and communities? Dive into our latest blog post to learn how we're contributing to a carbon-zero future and how you can be part of this electrifying movement!

We had an incredible time at Fieldays 2024 in Hamilton, where we debuted our fully electric Monarch Tractor—thanks to ASB Bank—for the first time in the North Island. Curious about how electric farming is transforming agriculture in New Zealand? From engaging with passionate farmers and industry leaders to chatting with MPs like Damien O’Connor, Tim van de Molen, Joseph Mooney, and Todd McClay, we're excited to share how sustainability is gaining real momentum. Dive into our latest blog post to discover how our zero-carbon cherry orchard is pioneering the future of farming!

We're thrilled to introduce our latest upgrade—the Trimax Force 115 Mulcher paired with our 100% electric Monarch Tractor. Curious how we're mulching half our orchard on a single charge and saving money while staying true to our zero-carbon goals? Dive into our newest blog post to learn how this powerful duo is making our operations more efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. Join us on our journey toward sustainable farming and see how innovation is reshaping the future of agriculture!

Recently, we had the thrill of welcoming Country Calendar to Forest Lodge Orchard—a chance to showcase our cherry orchard and sustainability efforts on a national stage. With a 160 kW solar system powering our farm, we’re all about renewable energy and growing cherries under the Central Otago sun. The crew captured our orchard in bloom, and we gave them a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work, science, and community that make it all possible. Watch the full episode to see how we're saving the world, one cherry (and kilowatt) at a time.

We are excited at Forest Lodge, because we believe we will be the recipients of the first <a target="_blank"...

Last month the final version of what we believe is the world's first electric foliage sprayer was built to run off the back of an electric tractor - and it works perfectly!

One of the fair and reasonable questions we often get from other farmers is about the loss of income that can occur due to an unscheduled power...

In 2020, we imported two 30 kilowatt (kW) AGI electric frost fans, which are the first...

There has already been a huge amount of interest in our orchard and our upcoming episode on Country Calendar has already led to a heap of questions...

The great thing about eliminating fossil fuels entirely from your business is that you discover so many other people with a similar passion for the...

A huge thank you to the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand for inviting us to speak about our electrification journey, the elimination...

The dawn of a new era in zero-emission food production and farming is almost upon us, with the development of two vital pieces of hardware near...

The horticulture industry does not have a strong reputation in New Zealand when it comes to the treatment of workers. It's stories like the recent...

Euan and I had the privilege of being invited to see the Monarch Factory in California and play with one of their pilot vehicles.

At some point this week, we expect to have a large article written about us in the Otago Daily Times. I thought I would be proactive and provide...

We are thrilled to be part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)'s GenLess campaign, which has recently gone live on TV in New...

In 2021 we ran a data experiment to see how effective we were in estimating the total size of our harvest in January 2022.

We have just had a well earned break following a mammoth effort by so many of our team and supporters, and it's finally time to share our...

Earlier this year, we eliminated all fossil fuels from both our orchard and our family home. When we first moved in, our home was equipped with a...

We are thrilled to have been included in the BNZ 2021 Sustainability...