“Solar Grazing” Pays Off For Sheep Producers

“Solar Grazing” Pays Off For Sheep Producers LIVESTOCK Sheep/Goats As rural electric associations across the country set up big “solar farms” in rural areas operators had to find a way to keep the weeds down That created a new opportunity for sheep producers Already there are more than 4 000 acres of solar sites maintained with sheep in the U S Sheep producer Lexie Hain in Ithaca N Y contracts her sheep out to 4 solar sites in New York state She and other sheep producers have spent time with solar company officials educating them about the advantages of sheep grazing over mechanical mowing “Especially on rougher terrain the sheep just do such a better job compared to mechanical equipment ” Hain says who believes so much in the idea that she founded the American Solar Grazing Association ASGA In areas like North Carolina and New York it takes 2 to 4 sheep per acre Since solar fields are surrounded by chain link or other secure fencing sheep are safely fenced in But producers also set up portable fencing for rotational grazing Water and minerals in cube containers are also portable to move with the sheep In addition to regular checks on her flocks Hain works closely with electrical service maintenance workers to educate them Signs and reminders to keep the gate shut are important Sheep graze throughout the growing season with the service costing $325 to $555 per acre Hain stresses the need to account for the work it requires and to charge appropriately ASGA is available to help with sample contracts educational videos and links She recommends checking out the YouTube video Solar Grazing 101 and the ASGA website for more information

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