By Andi Anderson
Michigan farmers and zoning board members are invited to a free webinar on grazing livestock in solar projects. The session will feature experienced farmers and a solar developer discussing agrivoltaics and sustainable livestock management.
Brooke and Chauncey Watson, owners of Illinois Solar Grazing and Watson Farms, provide vegetation management services using sheep on solar sites.
As members of the American Solar Grazing Association, they will share their experience and insights on effective livestock grazing in solar farms.
Paul Knowlton, a farmer from Knowlton Farms, has integrated crops and cattle into a solar farm to sustain his family’s 150-year farming tradition. His farm hosts a 2 MW AC community solar project with battery storage, allowing for grazing and crop production. He will discuss how agrisolar has helped his farm remain viable.
Angie Burke, Director of Operations & Maintenance at Pivot Energy, has led the development of over 30 agrivoltaic sites in 2023. Her work has enabled thousands of sheep and many farmers to utilize solar panels for grazing.
She will provide insights from a solar developer’s perspective on expanding solar grazing opportunities.
The event is hosted by Michigan State University Extension and is free to attend. Participants must register to receive Zoom links. Attendees can join multiple sessions and switch between topics. RUP and CCA credits will be available for select sessions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Michigan, Livestock