This piece is written like it’s.. “no big deal” by a farmer from Colorado.. however,

a) the ground converted to Solar panels is WORTH ALOT more the closer to population centers.. Chicago, Detroit and especially the North East.  Thus the eastern Cornbelt would probably see more development vs Colorado.

b) 5% reduction in farmland x 15.1 billion corn crop is 750 million bushels.
5% x 4.6 soybeans = 230 million.. which would certainly cause inflationary pressure.

c) unlike biofuels which can flex.. Corn this year.. into Cotton next year (WASDE cut the forecast crop by about 11% on acres and production yesterday..). Solar panels are a bit more permanent.

https://www.realclearenergy.org/articles/2024/08/12/solar_panel_complaints_are_the_latest_attack_on_private_property_rights_for_farmers_1051147.html