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.
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.
February 12, 2026 04:26 PM
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Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
February 12, 2026 12:16 PM
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American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
February 11, 2026 02:24 PM
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Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
February 11, 2026 02:13 PM
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Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
February 10, 2026 03:57 PM
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Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
February 10, 2026 02:27 PM
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