Dr. Joshua M. Pearce, John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation and Professor, Western University
(Previously published online with Morning Agclips: January 17, 2025)
(Image Source: American Lamb Board)
Sheep-based agrivoltaics is a particularly good symbiotic system where every participant benefits, states Western University’s Joshua M. Pearce.
In today’s volatile economy, job stability can often be found in unexpected places — like returning to the traditional role of shepherding. Solar shepherds, who manage sheep grazing under solar panels, are part of a growing movement that combines agriculture and renewable energy — and offers high incomes in the process.
My recent study, conducted with Ivey Business School alum Adam Gasch and professional shepherd Rafael Lara from The Lara Costa, found that modern solar shepherding businesses in places like Ontario can pull incomes equivalent to doctors, senior engineers, or even lawyers.
These solar shepherds are the vanguard of a new type of farming called Continue reading ‘Solar Shepherds’ Earn Big by Grazing Sheep on Solar Farms
underway at a Madison County solar farm promises to shed light on how well multi-use farming can work at a large scale. The answers will help shape best practices for future projects, while addressing some concerns raised in ongoing debates over siting large solar projects in rural farm areas.