Solar

Selecting the Optimal Sheep for Solar Grazing

Dr. Jake Thorne, Assistant Professor and Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Dr. Andrew Weaver, Extension Small Ruminant Specialist, North Carolina State University
(Previously published with the Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins (EAPK): September 12, 2025)

(Image Source: American Lamb Board)

While this article focuses on solar grazing, the principles discussed are relevant to all low-input, grass-based production systems. This article was originally published in the August 2025 issue of the Sheep Industry News and is reposted with permission.

The rise of agrivoltaics—where solar energy production coexists with agricultural practices—has created new opportunities for sheep producers across the United States. As solar developers seek sustainable vegetation management solutions, sheep have emerged as an ideal partner, offering cost-effective and environmentally favorable grazing services. However, success in this dual-purpose system depends on more than just turning sheep loose under panels.

A balanced approach to animal selection, emphasizing longevity, adaptability, and health, is essential for flock sustainability, grazing enterprise profitability, and long-term partnerships with solar developers and managers. Continue reading Selecting the Optimal Sheep for Solar Grazing →

‘Solar Shepherds’ Earn Big by Grazing Sheep on Solar Farms

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 →

Large-scale Ohio Research Project to Explore how Solar and Farming can Co-exist

Kathiann M. Kowalski
(Previously published online with Energy News Network: July 29, 2024)

Research 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.

Spread across more than 1,900 acres, the 180 MW Madison Fields project will be one of North America’s largest test grounds for research into agrivoltaics — essentially farming between the rows on photovoltaic solar projects.

As farmers seek to lease land for solar arrays to diversify their incomes, the practice could help them maximize their income and fend off opposition from critics concerned that solar development will take prime farmland out of production.

Some farmers have also said Continue reading Large-scale Ohio Research Project to Explore how Solar and Farming can Co-exist →