Highlights from ASGA’s New York Certified Solar Grazing Workshop

ASGA’s latest Solar Grazing Certification Training was held June 23–24 in Plattsburgh, New York. Following online prerequisite coursework, participants spent two days learning the core principles outlined in ASGA’s Solar Grazing Standards through classroom instruction, discussion, and hands-on learning.

Training topics included vegetation management strategies, grazing models and stocking rates, sheep management and welfare, site evaluation, bids and proposals, budgets, contracts, and logistics planning. The workshop also featured a tour of Nexamp’s Northway solar site, where Lewis Fox of Agrivoltaic Solutions shared insights into his solar grazing operation and answered participants’ questions.

The training was led by ASGA Director of Certification Caroline Owens, Niko Kochendoerfer of Agrivoltaic Solutions, and veterinarian Dr. Judy Leger, all experienced solar graziers actively working in the Northeast.

A special thank you to NYSERDA and ACE New York for sponsoring this training. ASGA’s Certification Program continues to build a skilled solar grazing workforce while helping sheep producers take advantage of opportunities in this growing industry.

Additional certification trainings are still scheduled for 2026, and you don’t want to miss out. View upcoming workshops and registration information here: https://solargrazing.org/asga-certified-programs/