By Andi Anderson
Sheep producers in Illinois recently discovered a promising new way to increase their income—grazing sheep on solar farms.
This innovative idea, known as solar grazing, was introduced by Camren Maierle, an Ohio sheep farmer and American Lamb Board member, at the Sheep Industry Day held at the University of Illinois.
Maierle shared images and experiences of his sheep grazing under solar panels in Ohio. He believes this method, which combines renewable energy with farming—a system called agrivoltaics—could spread widely across Illinois in the coming years. Illinois currently has about 55,000 sheep, according to the USDA.
He explained that sheep are perfect for solar grazing because they are small, gentle on equipment, and help manage weeds naturally. Solar companies usually pay mowing businesses around $480 per acre per year to maintain the land.
In comparison, sheep farmers can offer the same service for $300 to $500 while also improving soil health.
Maierle estimates that grazing sheep on 500 solar acres could earn producers up to $500,000 with 2,000 ewes, assuming a lease of $350 per acre. This amount does not even include lamb sales.
However, he noted some challenges like the movement of solar panels and wire management. Still, the opportunity is significant, especially as energy demands increase and more solar fields are built.
He also pointed out that about 60% to 70% of the lamb eaten in Illinois comes from overseas. With higher local production, some of that demand could shift to homegrown lamb.
To help more farmers take advantage of solar grazing, the American Lamb Board and the American Sustainable Growers Association are launching a solar grazing certification workshop from June 11 to 13 in Kankakee. The program costs $200 and includes training from Maierle himself.
Photo Credit: istock-globalp
Categories: Illinois, Energy