“It’s About Serving Something Bigger Than Yourself”: Lessons from the Solar Grazing Workshop

I never imagined my path from military service would lead me to running a sheep ranch in Georgia, let alone discovering solar grazing. After leaving the Army, I was drawn to practices that were good for my livestock and good for the land. The skills I developed in the military, mission focus, adaptability, and problem-solving, turned out to be perfect for farming.

When I attended my first solar grazing workshop, hosted by the Center for Agricultural Resilience (CFAR) and made possible through the Renewa Good Steward Scholarship, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I thought I’d learn the basics: how to move sheep, what to plant, and maybe a few technical details. What I found was so much more.

Stepping Into a New World

Walking into the workshop, I was immediately struck by the diversity of people in the room: farmers, developers, and sustainability enthusiasts, all coming together with a shared purpose. The energy was contagious. The sessions, led by CFAR, covered everything: the technical aspects of solar grazing, the environmental impact, business considerations, and even how it fits into the broader future of agriculture.

But the real lessons came during the site visits. Seeing sheep grazing calmly under active solar panels for the first time was surreal. In areas that had been solar grazed for years, the land looked different: healthier soil, more diverse plants, and even improved solar panel performance. The sheep naturally kept vegetation at the optimal height, reducing shade on the panels and improving airflow. It was proof that regenerative agriculture and renewable energy can work together seamlessly.

Hands-On Learning

The workshop wasn’t just about observation. CFAR guided us through moving sheep, managing pastures, and planning grazing rotations under real solar arrays. Every scenario offered a new challenge and a new perspective. I realized that solar grazing isn’t just a technical skill, it’s about thinking holistically about land use, animal welfare, and energy production.

Key Takeaways

The biggest lesson? This system works because it’s built on understanding and working with natural processes, not against them. Livestock management beneath solar panels is practical, beneficial, and scalable. But it also requires careful observation, planning, and flexibility. The workshop gave me the tools to think like a solar grazier, from soil health and forage management to the subtle ways animals interact with the panels.

Another takeaway: community matters. Talking with other attendees, sharing experiences, and learning from seasoned practitioners gave me insights I couldn’t have gained from a book or video. These connections continue to guide me as I expand my own operation.

Continuing to Serve

Receiving this scholarship has been transformative. The knowledge I gained and the credibility of being certified by the American Solar Grazing Association gave me the expertise and confidence needed to secure my first solar grazing contracts with a solar operator. The network of professionals I’m now connected with opened doors I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise and positioned me as a leader in solar grazing in Georgia, turning education into a real opportunity.

Just as I served my country in the Army, I now see solar grazing as a way to serve the environment, the energy transition, and future generations. These first contracts are proof that Renewa’s investment in education and scholarship programs like this isn’t just about learning, it’s about building careers and a sustainable future. I’m proud to be part of that mission and to put this training into action.

Apply for the Renewa Good Steward Scholarship

I encourage other veterans and farmers to explore these opportunities through the Renewa Good Steward Scholarship. The skills we’ve developed in our respective fields translate beautifully to this innovative approach to land management.
Apply here to start your journey towards a sustainable farming future!

Courtesy of Darnell Dugger