By M. Charles Gould
Michigan farmers interested in learning about grazing sheep and cattle in solar projects, as well as planning and zoning board members interested in learning about solar grazing, are invited to participate in a webinar featuring two farmers and a solar developer with solar grazing experience. The following is a brief description of each presenter and what they will speak about a question and answer session will follow the presentations.
Brooke and Chauncey Watson
Brooke and Chauncey Watson operate Illinois Solar Grazing and Watson Farms. They are experienced sheep producers. Using their expertise in livestock as well as commercial mowing, Watson Farms offers vegetation management services for solar sites throughout Illinois through their service company, Illinois Solar Grazing. They are members of the American Solar Grazing Association. Brooke will share their experience grazing sheep in solar sites.
Paul Knowlton
Paul Knowlton operates Knowlton Farms with his sons. In a collaborative solar project, the Knowlton’s have brought crops and cattle back to the farm, thus preserving the family’s 150-year farming tradition. In 2017, an innovative 2 MW AC community solar project with 1.4 MW AC of battery energy storage capacity was built on the farm. The elevated solar panels and spaced rows allow for machinery, grazing and crop science, enabling the family to return to full-time farming after a long hiatus. Paul will share his thoughts on how agrisolar has allowed his farm to remain a viable family business. Ensuring the viability of the farmland for the next generation has been a priority for Paul, who has been working with consistent dedication to ensure the farm remains true to family tradition.
Angie Burke
Angie Burke is the Director of Operations & Maintenance for Pivot Energy. Under her leadership, Pivot Energy brought in more agrivoltaics projects than any other company—with over 30 sites in 2023 alone. There are thousands of sheep and dozens of new solar farmers digging into new opportunities under solar panels because of Angie and Pivot’s commitment to building a 100% agrivoltaics portfolio, which is becoming a reality faster than anyone might have believed possible. She will share her thoughts on solar grazing from a solar developer perspective.
Due to the generous support of Michigan State University Extension, this event is offered to participants at no cost. However, attendees must register to receive the necessary Zoom links. With free registration, you will gain access to attend as many sessions as you want and even switch between tracks, making it easy to tailor the conference to individuals needs and interests. RUP and CCA credits will be offered for several of the sessions. More information can be found at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/miagideas/
If you have questions about solar grazing opportunities, please contact Charles Gould, Michigan State University Extension Bioenergy Educator, at 616-834-2812 or gouldm@msu.edu. The MSU Extension Agricultural Bioenergy and Energy Conservation website has additional information on renewable energy.
Source : msu.edu