Sheep. Solar. Family. Gratitude.
On February 29, 2020 — yes, Leap Day — Sunovis Ranch was officially registered with the State of Indiana.
At the time, we had no idea just how much that small act of paperwork would shape our lives.
Today, we’re celebrating six years of sheep, solar grazing, and building something deeply meaningful for our family and our community.
And we couldn’t be more grateful. 💚
A Family Project from the Very Beginning
When we started Sunovis Ranch, our kids were 12, 9, and 7. Today they’re 18, 15, and 13.
Six years doesn’t sound like a long time — until you measure it in childhood milestones.
They’ve grown up alongside this little “family project.” They’ve learned how to move sheep, mend fence, check water, rotate paddocks, and problem-solve when things don’t go as planned. They’ve learned that animals depend on you, that land requires care, and that work isn’t always glamorous — but it is almost always worth it.
Sunovis Ranch has been more than a business venture. It has been a classroom, a proving ground, and a shared adventure for our whole family.
And we are so proud of the young people PJ, Owen, and Susan are becoming — responsible, resilient, and deeply aware that stewardship matters.
(We’re fairly certain the sheep are proud of them, too. 🐑😀)
Sheep + Solar = Purpose
Over the past six years, we’ve watched solar grazing grow from a novel idea into a recognized and respected land management solution. We’re proud to play even a small role in that movement.
Our Katahdin sheep have grazed under panels, maintained vegetation, and demonstrated that agriculture and renewable energy don’t have to compete — they can complement one another beautifully.
This work matters to us because it supports clean energy, strengthens working farms, and models care for animals, land and the future.
Opening the Gates
One of the greatest privileges of Sunovis Ranch has been welcoming others onto the land.
Over the years, we’ve hosted:
- Solar developers curious about grazing partnerships
- Community leaders exploring agrivoltaics
- Economic development and and civic organizations
- College students and researchers
- And more than a few wide-eyed little kiddos meeting sheep up close for the first time 😊
There’s something powerful about standing in a pasture, surrounded by sheep, and realizing this is what innovation can look like — practical, grounded, and hopeful.
We’ve loved sharing our story and our animals with anyone willing to listen.
A Partnership We Treasure
In 2020, we began working with the Franklin College Biology Department — a partnership that has grown more formal and more meaningful over time.
We love working with these students.
Many are on the pre-vet track, and they gain hands-on experience caring for livestock in a real-world setting. They’ve assisted with health checks, observed lambing, and learned what daily animal stewardship actually looks like.
We’re especially proud that every student from the program pursuing veterinary school has been admitted. Several have shared that being able to discuss their hands-on work at Sunovis Ranch during admissions interviews made a significant difference.
That’s incredibly humbling.
To think that this little Leap Day idea is helping launch future veterinarians? That’s something we never could have predicted — and we don’t take it for granted.
Six Years. So Much Gratitude.
The past six years have flown by. And through it all, we’ve built something special — not just for our family, but with our family.
To our partners, students, visitors, developers, friends, and fellow farmers: thank you.
To our kids: thank you for embracing the work.
To our sheep: thank you for being the best coworkers around. 🐑💚
Here’s to the next season of Sunovis Ranch.
