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.
PLC and NCBA Chief Counsel Kaitlynn Glover reacts to the USDA’s new Grazing Action Plan, regulatory relief for ranchers, and the industry’s efforts to improve access to public lands.
April 01, 2026 10:41 AM
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Education efforts give visitors a closer look at dairy farming at the Rodeo Austin Livestock Show with the help of a cute cow named Lucy.
March 31, 2026 03:06 PM
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On this week’s Rural Health Matters, Dr. Jeffrey Gold raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease, shares insights on early detection, and offers guidance for patients and families in rural communities.
March 31, 2026 02:53 PM
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Texas Farm Bureau intern Jazmine Gutierrez-Davila uses her background and bilingual skills to connect kids to agriculture while attending Rodeo Austin’s Livestock Show.
March 31, 2026 02:45 PM
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New partnership focuses on rebuilding habitat for quail across the south
March 31, 2026 02:31 PM
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Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the USDA, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management to ensure more efficient, transparent, and responsive grazing management across federal lands.
