Rivian supports impactful clean energy projects that provide reliable domestic electricity, while also creating real, tangible benefits for local communities. In partnership with Pivot Energy, they utilize a unique approach to land management that helps farmers in Illinois access new economic opportunities with renewable energy. “These sites are hard to mow. The sheep do a great job at it,” says Chauncey Watson. “Sheep do not back into panels. Sheep do not throw rocks up and hit panels. The sheep do a pretty good job of leaving everything alone but the grass.” Having native plants in tandem with sheep on the land creates a system of regenerative agriculture. “The great part about this is it’s the intersection of agriculture and energy production,” says Brooke Watson. “So we bring in the sheep to manage the vegetation. But at the same time, they’re also adding nutrients back to the soil, which helps the biodiversity of the site, helps the soil health.” Watch the video of a Rivian in action solar grazing.

“Brooke and Chauncey Watson IV also raise sheep and shop them to solar farms with their business Illinois Solar Grazing. With solar expanding in the Midwest, the Watsons encouraged other farmers interested in solar grazing to pitch their services before developers break ground.”

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“Brooke Watson would like to see demand for lamb soar in the Midwest, in tandem with demand for solar grazing.”

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Illinois Solar Grazing Sheep are featured in June 2026 of the American Sheep Industry Association’s popular annual sheep calendar. The image of the sheep grazing a solar array in Cook County, Illinois, is the first picture of solar grazing to ever be included in ASI’s calendar and was selected as a winning entry in their 2025 Annual Photo Contest. Purchase your 2026 calendar from the American Sheep Industry Association

“Notable local producers, Brooke and Chauncey Watson, shared insights on scaling their operation for vegetation management services to solar companies and expressed hopes for future expansion of their flock. The Watsons utilize a mixed operation of hair sheep and Polypay ewes, with a focus on genetic selection and direct marketing in Chicago.”

Read the fully story from the American Lamb Board