Sheep and solar are unlikely pairings taking off in the ag industry. According to Peter Orwick with the American Lamb Board, it was a big topic at this year’s sheep industry convention, and leaders say it is providing many opportunities.
“A surprising number of sheep are being employed to control the vegetation on these fields,” Orwick said. “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 and producers. There was a lot of good Q&A as people tried to negotiate if that’s something they want to do.”
The American Lamb Board is also hoping to provide producers with more educational opportunities about integrating solar energy into their operations, including workshops on solar contracts and how producers can expand their reach.
Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
April 15, 2026 03:05 PM
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Initiative brings students from different backgrounds together to build relationships and broaden perspectives
April 15, 2026 02:44 PM
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National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.
April 15, 2026 12:58 PM
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Study looks at how triazine chemistry impacts effectiveness against resistant weeds
April 15, 2026 10:20 AM
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March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.
April 14, 2026 03:45 PM
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Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover Campaign raises millions of dollars each year for 4-H youth programs and scholarships. Local store community marketing manager Lexie Gamble joined Tuesday’s Market Day Report alongside 4-H student Matthew Rochford to discuss the partnership.
April 14, 2026 03:17 PM
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