A breed built for solar grazing—and for our family farm.
When we first started thinking seriously about solar grazing, one of the earliest (and most important) decisions we made was about sheep breed. Not all sheep are created equal—especially when it comes to managing vegetation under solar panels. After lots of research, conversations, and real-life learning, we landed on a breed that’s been a perfect fit for both our land and our family: Katahdin sheep.
What Makes Katahdins Different?
Katahdins are a hair sheep, not a wool breed, which means they naturally shed their coats each spring—no shearing required. That makes them ideal for farms like ours where we’re focused on land management and meat production, not wool. Their coats also help them thrive in variable Midwestern weather, handling both Indiana winters and hot summer days with ease.
But it’s not just their low-maintenance coats that make them a favorite here at Sunovis Ranch.
Katahdins are:
- Hardy and parasite-resistant
- Excellent foragers who love diverse pasture
- Docile and easy to handle—great for family farms and educational visits
- Efficient grazers that do well on pasture-based systems with minimal grain
- Excellent mothers, known for their strong maternal instincts and ease of lambing
For us, they strike the right balance between efficiency and temperament. They’re easy on fences, gentle with kids, and adaptable to solar site conditions.
Why They Work So Well for Solar Grazing
Solar grazing isn’t just about putting animals under panels—it’s about managing vegetation in a way that’s sustainable, effective, and safe for both the animals and the site. Katahdins excel in these settings because they:
- Navigate varied terrain without damaging equipment
- Keep grasses and weeds trimmed naturally (no mowers needed!)
- Don’t overheat easily under solar panels
- Require minimal intervention compared to other breeds
Their lighter frames and calm temperaments mean they don’t cause wear-and-tear on fencing or infrastructure—two things solar developers and landowners really appreciate.
A Great Fit for Our Family Farm
We’re proud to raise Katahdin sheep not just because they’re practical, but because they’re a joy to work with. Whether we’re introducing visitors to our flock during a farm tour or loading up for a solar grazing rotation, they’ve proven themselves again and again as the right partners for our work.
Got questions about solar grazing, Katahdins, or how we manage our flocks? We’d love to connect.
