ASGA’s solar grazier certification program, developed in 2023 and delivering workshops since 2024, has trained over 200 solar graziers and more than 100 solar professionals through two partner organizations: the American Land Board (ALB) and the Center for Agricultural Resilience (CFAR) at White Oak Pastures in Georgia. The curriculum covers the full operational scope of solar grazing—from vegetation management strategies and sheep welfare to business planning, contracts, infrastructure, and site safety—with mandatory visits to active solar grazing sites and hands-on grazing-planning exercises using solar fields.
In 2026, ASGA staff will begin teaching certified workshops directly alongside ALB and CFAR, bringing the total to at least 9 scheduled courses across Texas, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Virginia, New York, and Wisconsin. New program resources include a just-launched certified solar graziers directory, an updated member map with certified-grazier icons, and an ongoing website overhaul.
What Do the ASGA Certified Solar Grazing Training Standards Cover?
The ASGA Certified Solar Grazing Program provides comprehensive instruction on the core components of successful solar grazing operations. Participants learn best practices for vegetation management, forage establishment, sheep health and welfare, nutrition, water management, infrastructure, business planning, safety, and professional communication with solar clients. The curriculum emphasizes practical, real-world strategies developed through industry experience.
How Do the Trainings Prepare Graziers for Success?
In addition to grazing management, the program covers business operations such as site evaluation, bidding, budgeting, contract negotiation, insurance, and working effectively with solar owners and operations teams. Participants also learn site-specific safety protocols and industry terminology, helping them confidently operate as professional vegetation management contractors.
What Has the Training Program Accomplished So Far?
Since launching in 2024, the ASGA Certified Solar Grazing Program has trained more than 200 solar graziers and over 100 solar industry professionals through workshops hosted by ASGA, the American Lamb Board (ALB), and the Center for Farming Systems Research (CFAR). The program has consistently received five-star participant evaluations and has expanded to include What to Expect When You’re Expecting Sheep, a companion course designed specifically for solar owners, developers, and operations and maintenance teams.
What’s New for the Training Program?
ASGA announced several new developments for 2026, including additional certified workshops across Texas, Georgia, and New York, with ASGA joining ALB and CFAR as a third organization offering certified trainings. The association also introduced a new online directory of ASGA Certified Solar Graziers, making it easier for solar companies to identify qualified grazing contractors, and shared plans to continue expanding educational opportunities for both graziers and solar professionals.