How solar energy is helping the sheep industry thrive

“You can’t survive in California or anywhere else just producing lamb and wool as a traditional sheep farmer. You have to do something else, have a separate source of income,” he said.

An introduction to California’s burgeoning solar industry changed his fortunes. Indart landed a contract to herd sheep at a new solar project near his farm, receiving regular payments for taking care of the land. He did what he always did, but earned extra money.

There is currently such a high demand for solar-powered grazing services that Indart has partnered with other farmers (e.g. Blakeman Livestock) to help manage the load.

Indart believes the solar industry has helped save California’s sheep industry by turning sheep farming into a profitable opportunity for himself and others. As solar power grows in the United States, Indart hopes the country’s sheep industry will grow in tandem with it.

“The sheep industry has been in recession for the last seventy, eighty years. This is an opportunity to turn it all around. You will see our herd start growing again, and that is all thanks to the solar industry,” Indart said.

“The future looks bright for the American sheep producer if he sees these kinds of opportunities.”