08/26/2025
We continue to get questions about the sheep -- so let's talk!
We have partnered with Kristen and Keagan from Cherry Hill Farm in Saranac, NY to have the sheep grazing the solar field.
They started their flock of sheep about 3 years ago and with Kristen's degree in Animal Science from Cornell and her experience assisting with sheep solar grazing research, she was excited for this opportunity (they are looking for other opportunities with other solar companies, too!).
The number of solar sites have been increasing across our state and country in an effort to find more ways to reduce pollution, reduce fuel costs, and provide a more affordable source of electricity. Generally, the most desirable locations are in agricultural areas. This doesn't mean taking away from the farmer, it actually allows them to diversify income! In the process of solar grazing, sheep will graze the solar farms and eat the vegetation to prevent panel shading. This reduces the need for mowing at solar sites, reducing emissions and costs. Additional benefits include, maximizing forage production for sheep, increasing pollinator diversity for bees, and improving soil carbon sequestration. The panels also provide great shade for the sheep!
