Where Shepherding Meets Clean Energy
Great Lakes Solar Shepherd was born from a simple observation: solar farms need vegetation management, and sheep need pasture. We connected the dots — and built something better for everyone.
Our Journey
From regenerative pasture farming to solar grazing provider — here's how we grew.
- 2015
The Spark
Our founder leased 50 acres and started rotationally grazing grass-fed steers for the direct-to-consumer market. The realization that healthy food starts with healthy soil was an amazing discovery.
- 2017
Additional Species Added
Along with seasonally raising grass-fed beef, pigs and laying hens were added to the operation.
- 2020
Search for Land Starts
Demand grew faster than our land base. As partner farms became unable to consistently provide product, the search for farmland to purchase began.
- 2022
Farm Purchased
We purchased a 150-acre farm and began building fence, installing water, and setting up for rotational, regenerative farming practices.
- 2023
Foundation Ewe Flock
We purchased 60 ewes as our foundation flock to begin producing mid-west-adapted grass-fed lamb. Our sheep spend their whole lives outside with our guardian dogs, rotating through our lush pastures.
- 2026 & Beyond
Looking Ahead
With a flock of 200 ewes and growing, we've secured our first vegetation management contract using sheep as our main mowers. Complementary services now offered: Seed Mix Consulting, Grading & Snow Plowing, and Agrivoltaic Planning.
Our Mission
At Great Lakes Solar Shepherd, we believe that renewable energy and regenerative agriculture aren't just compatible — they're better together.
Every acre of solar farmland managed by our flocks is an acre where the soil gets healthier, pollinators find refuge, communities see value, and asset owners save money. We're proving that the most advanced vegetation management technology isn't a machine — it's a sheep.
Our team combines deep agricultural expertise with an understanding of utility-scale solar operations. We speak both languages fluently, bridging the gap between the energy sector and the farming community.
We're not just managing vegetation. We're shepherding a better future for the Great Lakes region — one solar site at a time.
Our flocks at work on a 200-acre solar installation in rural Michigan — quiet, efficient, and zero-emission.
Great Lakes Solar Shepherd
Partner With the Region's Solar Grazing Experts
Whether you manage 50 acres or 5,000, we have the flock, the protocols, and the experience to deliver results. Let's talk about your site.