This month’s webinar explored the broader world of targeted grazing, featuring presentations from Dr. John Walker (Emeritus Professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension) and Erica Sanko of the American Sheep Industry Association. Dr. Walker and Erica presented ASI’s new handbook, Targeted Grazing 101: Starting and Sustaining a Grazing Service Enterprise.

After hearing about the new handbook, ASGA Board Members Jonathan Barter and Ryan Indart discussed the applicability and similarities of targeted grazing to the solar grazing industry. 

During the webinar, we heard about the importance of solar grazing and its opportunity for livestock producers to expand their operations while providing valuable vegetation management services. Targeted grazing creates sustainable business models and provides specialized vegetation management that provides economic and environmental benefits. It can be used to improve public perception and offere alternatives to mechanical and vegetation control. Traditional grazing practices are transformed into professional service businesses.

The speakers emphasized that targeted grazing is a specialized service business with specific characteristics. It is not a way to receive free grazing, nor is it traditional livestock production. Instead, targeted graziers use their specialized knowledge of livestock management and vegetation control to apply livestock at specified seasons, durations, and intensities to meet vegetation management goals. Targeted grazing takes on several forms, including solar grazing, fire fuel reduction, invasive species control, and ecological restoration.

This workshop also covered common characteristics of successful targeted graziers. To perform well in the industry, graziers need experience with livestock management and an understanding of plant species, growth cycles, and vegetation management. Since targeted grazing is a service industry, candidates must have a strong business acumen, the ability to manage logistics across multiple projects, and a commitment to professional presentation and documentation of results.

A successful grazier can effectively practice targeted grazing, paying close attention to key areas. The development of detailed grazing plans is needed to evaluate sites, define clear objectives, and determine the appropriate stocking rates and timing. These plans can also be used to maintain animal health. Targeted grazing should be done in a way that results can be monitored through visual observations or measurement tools to document that contractual requirements have been met. Successful targeted grazing helps manage public perception using education, signage, and professional presentation.

The speakers also covered the business benefits of targeted grazing. This industry allows for a diversified revenue stream from vegetation management and livestock production. It can help reduce land costs, by allowing grazing land access without traditional ownership expenses. Targeted grazing services can lead to ecological benefits, providing services that improve land health while generating income.

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More about ASI’s Targeted Grazing Handbook:

The handbook teaches practical, applied skills gathered from interviews with more than three dozen experienced targeted graziers to help aspiring graziers understand what it takes to thrive in the industry. 

Targeted Grazing 101 has chapters dedicated to tips for getting started and growing a successful operation, planning for the basics and logistics of the business, prioritizing animal husbandry and welfare, and plans for grazing plants at the right time and season. The teachings in the handbook can be applied to the solar grazing industry.

The handbook is available as either a hard copy for $39.95, or as a PDF with the 2006 handbook on a flash drive for $14.95. Both formats can be purchased at https://www.sheepusa.org/shop.

ASGA is pleased to have had the opportunity to support the solar grazing aspects of this handbook as part of the publication review team. Lexie Hain (ASGA President, Lightsource bp) provided her expertise to the publication. JR Howard (ASGA Advisory Board) and Ryan Indart (ASGA Board of Directors) provided case studies to the project, and several ASGA members contributed to the handbook.