How do you get in touch with the asset owner or operator for sites you’d like to graze?

In this month’s Grazing with Cam event, Camren Maierle (American Lamb Board) and Taylor Gosman (President of CFAR Board of Directors) provided perspective from the solar industry on how to engage with solar companies. They covered difficulties of making contact with solar companies and tips for how to engage in this process.

Our Grazing with Cam events are an opportunity for an open forum discussion where you can get to know other ASGA members.

Understanding the solar project timeline helps target outreach efforts more effectively. Stages of a solar project’s life cycle include the development, construction, and operations stages. Effective communication with solar companies is essential for establishing successful grazing partnerships. Strategic outreach creates opportunities to secure contracts before vegetation management decisions are finalized. Additionally, communication establishes your credibility as a professional service provider rather than just an alternative to mowing.

Initial outreach efforts can be done at public meetings, construction sites, and industry networking events. Key decision-makers to target include the ESG department, O&M team, plant managers, the development team, EPC contractors, and the owner’s representatives. It is recommended to present grazing as a comprehensive solution with multiple benefits beyond basic vegetation management. Camren and Taylor also recommend familiarizing yourself with the bidding process, corporate structure, and cost comparisons.

Overall, Taylor and Camren discussed how effective communication with solar companies can yield significant advantages, including relationship building, competitive positioning, contract stability, and industry reputation.