Switching from Cotton to Sheep Brings New Opportunities in Solar Grazing

Chad Raines surveys his herd of sheep in the unrelenting Texas sun.

"I never pictured myself as a shepherd," Raines admits.

His family has been cultivating cotton for generations, but successive years of poor harvests and declining market prices pushed him to seek a new path.

"After multiple seasons of zero gains and mounting debts, we realized something had to change," he reflects.

Raines embraced an innovative approach, transitioning from traditional agriculture to what’s now known as ‘solar grazing,’ where sheep act as natural mowers for solar farms.

Enel North America operates a sprawling solar farm nearby. With over a million solar panels, the site is among the largest in the nation.

"Sheep are unfazed by bad weather and can work around the clock," explains Adam Sotirakopoulos, who manages the location.

While the sheep maintain the land, farmers like Raines receive consistent earnings.

Farming is inherently uncertain, yet recent trends have exacerbated the challenges. A 2024 report from the U.S. Agriculture Department revealed that nearly 40% of smaller farms reported losses the previous year.

"Family-run farms are dwindling. Large corporations are often more successful due to economies of scale," notes Raines.

With cotton, Raines projected a loss nearing $200,000 last year. In contrast, by managing 6,000 sheep across 20,000 acres, he turned a substantial profit of nearly $300,000, setting the stage for a thriving future he can pass to his sons.

"One son has graduated college, and another is still there but intends to join the farm after graduating. We'll have plenty of work to keep us all busy," Raines says.