Solar grazing requires sheep farmers to transition into professional vegetation service providers to meet contractual requirements for vegetation management. Experienced graziers know how crucial it is to understand the service provider’s mindset and the professional expectations of developers.

In this workshop, we heard from Jim Malooley and Wesley Adams (Silicon Ranch) about what attributes, skills, and experience asset owners are looking for in graziers, and what steps you should consider taking to prepare for grazing sites. Eric Bronson (James River Grazing and American Farmland Trust) co-hosted this event and led the discussion. 

This was part 2 of our spring event series, “Getting Started in Solar Grazing”, which covered key topics for people jumping into solar grazing for the first time. Check out part 1, “Solar Development 101 and How Developers Approach Solar Grazing Projects.”

Solar companies require reliable vegetation management partners to maintain operational efficiency and site safety. Successful vegetation management specialists demonstrate several key attributes, including strong communication, professionalism, problem-solving, flexibility, self-discipline, and multi-skilled capabilities. The ideal candidate for a vegetation management specialist combines practical skills with specific personal characteristics.

When selecting a vegetation management specialist, geographic location significantly impacts operational requirements. Variations in climate, terrain, and local expectations will require different approaches between sites. Additionally, site design impacts how a site will be managed.

Most successful vegetation management specialists employ a hybrid approach by combining solar grazing with mechanical management. New sites typically require 3-5 years to develop pasture-like conditions, and even fully-grazed sites require mechanical backup for certain situations. As such, it is important to set realistic expectations and know that grazed sites will have a “textured” appearance rather than a manicured look.

Vegetation management specialists must prepare for predictable challenges. These challenges involve seasonal variations, especially during the growing season, equipment failures, stakeholder perceptions, and scaling up. Despite its challenges, vegetation management for solar sites offers significant advantages, such as long-term opportunities for industry growth, a diversified revenue, and a supportive network.