Illinois Targeted Grazing Workshop is Huge Success

The American Lamb Board (ALB) recently held its second Targeted Grazing Workshop of 2025 in Kankakee, Illinois, attracting 32 producers from seven states. The workshop, sponsored by Pivot Energy, aimed to explore expansion opportunities within the U.S. sheep industry and included collaboration with the American Solar Grazing Association to provide a solar grazing certification for participants.

The curriculum covered topics related to contract grazing and best practices in sheep management. Notable local producers, Brooke and Chauncey Watson, shared insights on scaling their operation for vegetation management services to solar companies and expressed hopes for future expansion of their flock. The Watsons utilize a mixed operation of hair sheep and Polypay ewes, with a focus on genetic selection and direct marketing in Chicago.

Evan Gunthorp, an Indiana sheep producer, emphasized the importance of a service provider mindset in navigating the challenges and opportunities within the grazing business.

The workshop concluded with a tour of a solar array utilizing sheep for vegetation management, during which attendees engaged with Pivot Energy representatives Angie Burke and Nate Zirlen about “agrivoltaic initiatives.”

“It’s exciting to see producers engaging in these in-depth educational workshops and learning about new opportunities to grow their business with innovative grazing opportunities,” said Camren Maierle.

ALB has plans to host three more workshops in Maryland, Denver, and Kentucky later in 2025, aimed at supporting the growth of the U.S. sheep industry.

Learn more about upcoming workshops on the Lamb Board website.