By Andi Anderson
Farmers, landowners, and community leaders gathered at the annual Indiana University Rural Conference in French Lick to discuss ways agriculture and solar energy projects can successfully operate together on the same land. The conference focused on agrivoltaics, a growing practice that combines agriculture with solar energy development.
One of the main presentations featured Dana and Paul Cummings, owners of Sunovis Ranch, who explained how they use sheep grazing to manage vegetation around solar panels. Their operation raises Katahdin sheep, a breed known for grazing grass effectively around solar sites.
“We raise Katahdin sheep, and those are hair sheep who are really, really good at mowing the grass, so that's what we focus on, and we have a good time doing it,” Dana said.
The sheep help reduce vegetation growth under solar panels while providing another source of farm income through livestock sales. Speakers explained that agrivoltaics allows farmers to continue using agricultural land while also supporting renewable energy production.
Conference presenters also discussed other land uses connected to solar developments. These included planting native grasses and pollinator-friendly plants, along with using land for bee hives. Organizers said these practices may help improve biodiversity while supporting environmental conservation goals.
Dana Cummings encouraged more Indiana farmers to consider sheep production as part of agrivoltaics projects and rural agriculture operations.
“As a mom, as a native Hoosier, as a business owner in the state, I would just underscore that for anyone who's thinking about it, how wonderful it is to live with and kind of coexist with sheep,” Dana said.
In addition to agrivoltaics discussions, conference sessions also covered historic preservation efforts and ways to help rural students become prepared for artificial intelligence learning opportunities in the future.
Organizers believe combining agriculture with renewable energy projects may help create new economic opportunities for rural communities while supporting long-term land management goals across Indiana.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Indiana, Livestock, Goats & Sheep, Sustainable Agriculture