Using sheep for solar is attracting more people into the business

Sheep and solar is an unlikely pair that is taking off in the ag industry.

It was a big topic at this year’s sheep industry convention, where leaders say it is providing a lot of opportunities.

“It’s a surprising number of sheep that are being employed to control the vegetation on these fields. We heard from members that expanded their sheep operations to incorporate grazing for pay, for hire, a large part of the year. We have people, who are not necessarily livestock or sheep producers, who are getting into the business expressly for that revenue opportunity to graze these solar fields. So, that was a true highlight with utility and solar companies joining us, along with grazers, producers, a lot of good Q and A as people tried to negotiate if that’s something that they want to do,” said Peter Orwick.

The American Lamb Board is also hoping to tackle solar this year. Some workshops later this year will include learning opportunities around solar contracts and how producers can expand their reach.

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“It all comes back to the timeliness. Are we going to be able to get in that field?”

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