2025

Diverse grazing systems that mimic natural ecosystems are vital to regenerative agriculture. The American Grassfed Association supports innovative practices such as woodland pig grazing and poultry integration with other species to improve soil health and farm resilience.

Pigs naturally root and forage in forested environments, turning over leaf litter and organic matter. This behavior:

• Enhances nutrient cycling by incorporating organic material into the soil.
• Improves soil structure and aeration.
• Supports forest ecosystem health by managing understory vegetation and promoting biodiversity.
  

While specific studies on woodland pig grazing are limited in the provided search results, this practice aligns with the Association’s principles of animal welfare and land stewardship, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional pig farming.

Poultry Integration with Other Species

Poultry, especially when rotated with other livestock and crops, plays a crucial role in enriching soils:

• Nutrient enrichment: Poultry manure adds vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, enhancing soil fertility.
• Improved soil biology: Poultry activity increases earthworm populations and microbial diversity, which boosts soil health.
• Weed and pest control: Chickens forage on weeds and insects, reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
• Synergistic crop and livestock systems: Integrating poultry with grazing animals and cover crops leads to healthier soils and increased crop yields.

These benefits contribute to a regenerative cycle where soils are left in better condition than before, supporting both animal welfare and sustainable food production.

The American Grassfed Association encourages these multi-species and woodland grazing systems as pathways to build resilient farms that nurture the land while producing high-quality grassfed meat.

Resource Links

• Fat Apple Farm on pasture-raised pigs and soil health: https://fatapple.farm/blog/beneficial-impact-of-pasture-raised-pigs1
• Turning woods into pasture with pigs (The Modern Day Settler): https://themoderndaysettler.com/turning-woods-into-pasture-with-pigs/2
• Oregon State University Extension on pasture-based pork production: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/animals-livestock/swine/benefits-challenges-pasture-based-pork-production3
• UBC thesis on pig grazing and soil health indicators: https://open.library.ubc.ca/soa/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/24/items/1.04386155
• Frontiers in Forests and Global Change on livestock grazing and woodland soil health: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/forests-and-global-change/articles/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1028149/full

 

Discover how solar grazing with sheep supports renewable energy, improves soil health, and benefits farmers, as practiced  by the American Grassfed Association producers.

Solar grazing is an innovative practice gaining momentum across the United States, where sheep graze beneath and around solar panels on solar farms. This dual-use approach not only supports clean energy production but also enhances soil health, pasture quality, and animal welfare.

The American Grassfed Association recognizes the synergy between regenerative livestock grazing and sustainable energy. Sheep grazing on solar farms helps control weeds and vegetation that could otherwise shade panels or obstruct maintenance, reducing the need for mowing or herbicides. This natural vegetation management is less labor-intensive and more environmentally friendly than traditional use of gas or diesel mowing and herbicides.

A two-year research study by the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) on Northeastern solar sites found that solar grazing:

• Improves soil health: Grazing sheep trample manure, urine, seeds, and plant matter into the soil, decomposing and fertilizing the land. Solar-grazed sites showed higher soil organic matter and a more favorable soil pH than non-grazed sites.
• Produces healthier forage: Vegetation under solar panels, based on the studies cited, had higher crude protein and better digestibility, providing nutritious food for the sheep throughout the grazing seasons.
• Enhances pasture quality over time: Pasture condition scores increased during the study, suggesting long-term benefits from solar grazing.
  
  

Additionally, solar panels provide sheep with shelter from wind, rain, and intense sun, improving animal comfort and welfare. This practice keeps farmland productive within rural communities, offering struggling farmers a sustainable income source while supporting renewable energy infrastructure.

The American Grassfed Association sees solar grazing as a model of regenerative agriculture that aligns with its mission to promote animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and sustainable grassfed livestock production.

Resource Links

• American Lamb Board on solar grazing benefits: https://americanlamb.com/news/beneath-the-panels-how-sheep-are-supporting-solar-energy-by-improving-solar-farmland/
• American Solar Grazing Association: https://solargrazing.org
• ASGA solar grazing study summary: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/05/02/solar-grazing-supports-healthier-soil-food-for-sheep-study-finds/

Suggested Source Images

• Sheep grazing under solar panels on a solar farm (from American Solar Grazing Association or American Lamb Board)
• Close-up of lush forage growing beneath solar panels
• Infographic showing benefits of solar grazing on soil health and pasture quality

Imagine a flock of sheep quietly grazing through vineyards, groves, or grasslands. Not just charming scenes, but powerful tools in regenerative land stewardship. From weeding and fertilizing to wildfire prevention, these “wooly lawn mowers” deliver more than pastoral appeal. Let’s explore how pastured sheep are changing the game in sustainable land management.

1. Sustainable Weed Control in Vineyards

Rather than fuel-hungry tractors and herbicides, vineyards worldwide—like those in California and Napa Valley—are turning to sheep for eco-friendly vegetation control.

• At Stags Leap District vineyards, grazed by sheep, natural weed control reduces herbicide use and lessens soil compaction from fewer tractor passes .
• In California’s organic vineyards, sheep, also known as “Wooly Weeders”, help with mowing, weeding, fertilizing, and even act as living firebreaks.
• Phase-wise grazing has been adopted in Central European vineyards, with providers adjusting trellis heights to allow sheep grazing during the growing season without damaging vines.

2. Invasive Weed Management and Habitat Restoration

Sheep are natural champions in restoring ecosystems and reducing fuel loads in wildlands and grasslands.

• At Cronan Ranch, California, a flock of around 900 sheep has been deployed yearly to target invasive species like yellow starthistle and medusahead, significantly reducing both weed thatch and wildfire risk.
• Over a 230-acre area in Napa County, sheep grazing effectively removed flammable dry plant matter, leading to increased native species diversity, and even halting a 2020 wildfire at its edge due to lack of fuel.

3. Fire Mitigation: Living Firebreaks

As wildfire threats grow, sheep are stepping in as natural, low-impact fuel managers.

• In southwest Nevada, hundreds of sheep are deployed annually to graze on cheatgrass, an invasive species that dries quickly and becomes highly flammable. This has created natural firebreaks across approximately 1,500 acres and reduced fire intensity in grazed areas.
• The Star Creek Land Stewards in California manage 7,000 sheep and goats to clear fire-prone vegetation around homes and public spaces, providing cost-effective, chemical-free fire mitigation.
• The City of La Cañada Flintridge uses targeted grazing with goats and sheep, funded by CAL FIRE, to clear vegetation and create defensible space on steep terrain—a natural complement to firefighting efforts.

4. Ecological Benefits of Grazing

Beyond land management, sheep grazing supports ecosystem health when managed properly.

• Scientific studies show that well-managed grazing reduces wildfire risk by preventing dead biomass build-up, one of the main drivers of intense fires, while promoting plant diversity and structural heterogeneity in vegetation.
• Grazing, often referred to as conservation or targeted grazing, is a powerful tool to maintain grassland ecosystems, restore habitats, and sustainably manage biomass in nature reserves and forests.
• Grazing also complements traditional fire regimes in ecosystems shaped by both fire and herbivory (a phenomenon known as pyric herbivory), it helps maintain a shifting mosaic of vegetation that supports biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

5. Practical Considerations for Implementation

While their benefits are clear, integrating sheep into land management requires thoughtful planning:’

• Breed Selection: Some breeds like the Shropshire are ideal for vineyards because they can’t stand on hind legs and damage vines above the cordon zone .
• Grazing Timing and Rotation: Matching grazing schedules to plant phenology ensures weeds are targeted effectively and desirable vegetation is preserved.
• Complementarity: Grazing should support, and not fully replace, other management strategies like controlled burns or mechanical treatments.
• Infrastructure and Logistics: Effective grazing setups require water access, herding systems, protective fencing, and, in some cases, herders with livestock dogs.

Conclusion
From vineyards to wildlands, pastured sheep are proving to be dynamic, nature-based allies in land management. They offer a sustainable, low-tech, and ecologically sensitive alternative for weed control, habitat restoration, and wildfire mitigation. With strategic planning and supportive infrastructure, these “wooly lawn mowers” may very well shape the future of regenerative agriculture and ecological resilience.

References:
Meet the Wooly Weeders, the Adorable Heroes of California Wine (Food & Wine)
Halter Ranch Vineyard Project for Year-Round Sheep Grazing
BLM: Sheep Arrive at Cronan Ranch to Graze Invasive Plants and Reduce Wildfire Threat
Napa Land Trust: Sheep Grazing to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Restore Habitat
NY Post: Sheep Sent Into Nevada Foothills to Eat Fire-Prone Grass
KUNR: Flocks of Sheep Reduce Wildfire Risks in Northern Nevada
Vogue: Star Creek Land Stewards Use 7,000 Sheep and Goats for Wildfire Mitigation
City of La Cañada Flintridge: Wildfire Prevention and Targeted Grazing
Science.org: Grazing to Prevent Wildfire Risk and Maintain Biodiversity
Wikipedia: Conservation Grazing
Wikipedia: Pyric Herbivory
Mendo Voice: Sheep & Goats for Eco-Friendly Fire Management
Wired: Hungry Animals vs. Wildfires
AP News: Sheep & Goats as Tools in Wildfire Mitigation

 

If you’ve ever stood in a grocery aisle staring at packages labeled “grassfed,” you’re not alone in feeling confused. The term “grassfed” is everywhere—but what does it really mean? And how do you know if you’re truly supporting sustainable, pasture-based farming? The answer lies in something most consumers overlook: third-party certification.

The Problem: “Grassfed” Isn’t Always What It Seems
In the U.S., the term “grassfed” is not strictly regulated. Many products use the label even if animals were only on pasture for part of their lives, or if they were fed grain at some point. This practice, known as greenwashing, misleads consumers and undercuts the hard work of genuine grassfed farmers.

The Solution: Third-Party Certification

Organizations like the American Grassfed Association (AGA) are changing the game. AGA certification requires farms to meet strict standards

• Animals must be 100% grassfed and pasture-raised for their entire lives.
• No confinement feeding, antibiotics, or growth hormones.
• Regular, independent on-farm inspections.

This isn’t just a rubber stamp—it’s a rigorous process that ensures only truly grassfed products carry the AGA seal.

Why It Matters for Farmers

For small and mid-sized family farms, third-party certification is a powerful tool. It levels the playing field, allowing them to compete with industrial producers who might otherwise use misleading labels. The AGA’s transparent standards and inspections give honest farmers a way to prove their integrity and differentiate their products in a crowded market.

Why It Matters for Consumers
When you see the AGA logo, you can trust that your food comes from animals raised entirely on pasture, by farmers committed to animal welfare and environmental stewardship. This transparency builds trust and empowers you to make choices that align with your values.

Beyond the Label: Advocacy and Policy

The AGA isn’t just certifying farms—they’re fighting for better labeling laws and pushing back against greenwashing at the policy level. By supporting certified products, you’re also supporting this advocacy work, helping to ensure that “grassfed” means what it should—for everyone.

Takeaway
Next time you shop, look for the AGA seal. It’s more than a label—it’s your assurance that you’re supporting real grassfed farmers, not just clever marketing. In the fight against greenwashing, third-party certification is your most powerful ally.

Learn more about the AGA’s standards and why they matter at American Grassfed Association.

 

Grassfed bison, often called America’s majestic grassland natives, are experiencing a resurgence not only for their exceptional nutritional benefits but also for their vital environmental role in prairie ecosystems.

Nutritional Benefits
Grassfed and pastured bison meat is also renowned for being lean and nutrient-dense, and provides a rich source of essential nutrients, including:

• Iron: Key for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production.
• Vitamin B12: Vital for nerve function and red blood cell formation.
• High-quality protein: Supporting muscle growth and repair with relatively low fat.

Healthy omega-3 fatty acids: Grassfed bison often can contain higher levels of omega-3s compared to grain-fed livestock, which can help support human heart and brain health.

Prairie Regeneration
Grassfed bison contribute significantly to prairie regeneration through several ecological processes linked to their natural behaviors and grazing patterns:

• Diverse Grazing Patterns: Bison graze selectively and differently across seasons and land conditions, nibbling on top grasses while leaving deeper-rooted plants intact. This selective grazing creates a mosaic of plant species and promotes biodiversity, unlike the monoculture that often results from overgrazing by cattle. Rotational grazing mimics their natural movement, allowing grazed areas to recover and regenerate.
• Soil Fertilization and Health: Bison droppings naturally fertilize the soil with key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, enhancing soil fertility over time. Their hooves also aerate compacted soil, improving water infiltration, soil structure, moisture retention, and reducing erosion. These actions boost microbial activity and increase organic matter.

• Prairie Ecosystem Restoration: Bison’s cyclical grazing, fertilizing, and resting of the land restore prairie ecosystems by supporting healthy native plant communities, increasing plant diversity, and fostering resilience. Their presence helps control weeds naturally, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: Studies show that bison reintroduction leads to increased plant diversity, shrub and woody vegetation cover near streams, and greater diversity in bird and mammal species. Their grazing behavior is associated with positive biodiversity outcomes in riparian and prairie habitats, which are crucial ecosystems under pressure from agriculture and climate stress.
• Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resilience: Healthier prairie vegetation supported by bison grazing captures more carbon in the soil, aiding in climate change mitigation. Their behavior promotes deeper-rooted plants and improved soil organic matter content, which contribute to carbon storage and greater ecosystem resilience to drought and heat.
• Unique Impacts: Bison wallowing behavior—rolling on the ground to shed fur and avoid insects—creates depressions that support unique plant and insect communities not found in open prairie, further enhancing ecological diversity—an effect absent in cattle grazing.

These factors position grassfed and pastured bison as ecological engineers and keystone species that help restore and sustain prairie landscapes naturally, supporting both biodiversity and soil health in a way that modern livestock farming methods often cannot replicate. Their role is critical in regenerative grazing systems aimed at harnessing natural processes for sustainable land management

Sources:
The Bison Experiment: Restoring Native Prairie and Wildlife Habitats
https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/the-bison-experiment-restoring-native-prairie-and-wildlife-habitats-with-bison

Regenerating the Land with Bison – Green Cover Seed
https://greencover.com/regenerating-the-land-with-bison/

What Does Long-Term Bison-Grazed Prairie Look Like? – Prairie Botanist
https://prairiebotanist.com/2022/06/11/what-does-long-term-bison-grazed-prairie-look-like/

The American Bison: How This Powerful Icon Is Restoring the Prairie – One Earth
https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-american-bison/

Bison: (Back) Home on the Range – Mongabay
https://news.mongabay.com/2020/06/bison-back-home-on-the-range/