This ASGA webinar presented findings from a NYSERDA-funded study conducted by ASGA, American Farmland Trust, and collaborators, which was recently published in Frontiers journal. The study aimed to provide scientific evidence for the benefits of solar grazing to soil health, forage quality, and pasture conditions, while also exploring its economic feasibility compared to conventional mowing. The study supports that long-term contracts are essential for economic viability and that grazing delivers external benefits not captured in standard cost comparisons.

What Was This Study?
The research evaluated 28 grazed and 3 non-grazed solar sites across the Northeast from 2022–2024, with soil samples analyzed through a Cornell University Soil Health Lab and forage samples tested by an independent laboratory, Dairy One. The goal was to provide scientific evidence on whether integrating sheep improves ecological outcomes and how grazing compares financially to mowing.

What Did the Soil and Forage Data Show?
Grazed sites demonstrated significantly higher biological soil health indicators, including organic matter, active carbon, and predicted soil protein. While forage biomass was lower under panels, crude protein concentrations were higher, and overall pasture condition scores improved over time in areas such as plant vigor, erosion control, and livestock concentration management.

What Did the Economic Analysis Reveal?
Year-one grazing costs are higher due to capital investments such as sheep purchases, fencing, and water infrastructure. However, when those costs are spread over five or more years, per-acre expenses decrease substantially and become comparable to mowing. Key cost drivers include site preparation, transportation distance, and whether water hauling is required, reinforcing the importance of accurate budgeting.

Why Are Long-Term Contracts Critical?
The study found that long-term agreements are essential for economic viability, allowing graziers to amortize upfront costs and remain competitive. Multi-year contracts make it easier to achieve positive cash flow and fully capture the financial benefits of grazing.

What Benefits Extend Beyond Direct Cost Comparisons?
Beyond vegetation management, solar grazing supports local food and fiber production, improves soil health indicators not reflected in mowing costs, and enhances public perception of solar installations. The findings reinforce that sheep grazing is agriculture — delivering ecosystem services and community value alongside renewable energy production.