Sheep grazing in solar fields is increasing interest in the lamb business

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.

Related Stories
It started as a simple service project for 4-H — collect some shoes, help a few people. But for Franklin Parish High School senior Eli Rogers, it has turned into something much bigger.
RFD-TV expert Roger McEowen explains why a “skinny” Farm Bill is likely in the future, but its scope may change due to provisions contained in the Big, Beautiful Bill.
David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) shares an end-of-harvest update and a peek at the farmland market in Central Illinois.
The first-ever “MICHELIN Guide to the American South” awards stars to top restaurants across Georgia, Louisiana, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, and pinpoints the region as a global food destination for the first time.
RFD-TV’s farm legal expert, Roger McEowen, digs into the details of both the LRP and the LGM programs, two essential risk management tools for cattle producers.
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
Rising federal debt is increasing pressure on Washington to limit spending, which could tighten future funding and delivery for agricultural programs.
“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
CoBank’s 2026 Year Ahead Report cites global grain oversupply, easing inflation, rate cuts, and major data center growth that could reshape rural America.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.