Sheep Industry News April 2025

Peterson Joins ASGA as Executive Director T he American Solar Grazing Association has announced that Stacie Peterson, Ph.D. – a recognized leader in agrivoltaics and energy – will serve as its new executive director. With her extensive expertise in environmental engineering, ASGA Board Member and Director of Agrivoltaics and Land Management at Lightsource bp Lexie Hain echoed this sentiment. “Stacie’s background in energy and agriculture – combined with her success in securing major federal opportunities – makes her an outstanding leader for ASGA. She is a strategic thinker, excellent writer and coalition builder. The ASGA board is excited to work with her to propel agrivoltaics and our organization to new heights.”

sustainable energy and community engagement, Peterson is poised to expand ASGA’s reach and elevate its impact as the leading voice of solar grazing in the United States. Peterson was introduced as execu tive director at ASGA’s fifth Annual Membership Meeting in March. “Stacie Peterson’s vast experience as an agrivoltaics researcher, convenor and advocate uniquely qualifies her to lead ASGA into the future,” said ASGA President and Spring Creek Farm Owner Nick Armentrout. “With over 130,000 acres of solar grazing in 30 states last year alone, ASGA is at a pivotal moment of growth. Stacie’s strategic vision and deep expertise will enhance our ability to support farmers and industry stakeholders in realizing the full potential of solar grazing.” Peterson previously served as director of the AgriSolar Clear inghouse and director of energy programs at the National Center for Appropriate Technology. She has developed and led national, regional and state-level energy programs that engage communities, support rural businesses and provide vital education and technical assistance. Her leadership in building the AgriSolar Clearinghouse estab lished the premier knowledge hub for agrivoltaics and cultivated a network of more than 40 partners, bringing together agriculture leaders, solar industry professionals, academics and nonprofits. She has also spearheaded innovative community engagement initia tives, including a sold-out, 20-stop tour of agrivoltaic sites across the country. “Stacie builds programs supporting environmental land manage ment concerns and sustainable energy, always with an eye towards connecting farmers with opportunities,” said ASGA Board Member Dan Finnegan. “She's a perfect fit to help ASGA continue as the lead ing farmer-focused agrivoltaic trade and training organization in the country.” VISION FOR ASGA’S FUTURE “I am honored and excited to join ASGA as its next executive director,” said Peterson. “Having worked alongside ASGA for the past five years to support and advance agrivoltaics, I know firsthand that its certifications, research, technical assistance and resources are second to none. “As a farmer-founded and farmer-led nonprofit, ASGA is uniquely positioned to shape the future of solar grazing and agrivoltaics. I look forward to leading the organization with a focus on excellence, science and trusted partnerships, ensuring that we continue to make a lasting impact. We are stronger together.”

Stacie holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering from Montana Tech and a Ph.D. from the University of Montana in interdisciplinary studies. Her research integrates environmental science, public health, history and technical commu nications. INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY ASGA is the leading organization for solar grazing in the United States, championing American farming and innovation. Rooted in the farming community, ASGA helps farmers diversify their income streams while preserving farmland for food production. Solar graz ing strengthens regional markets by supporting meat, dairy and wool industries and enhances environmental stewardship by improving soil health and fostering biodiversity. By replacing or reducing mowing at solar sites, solar grazing lowers operational costs, decreases emissions and promotes sustain able land management practices. Additionally, ASGA plays a critical role in community engagement, helping to build trust with farmers and support the development of mutually beneficial solar projects in rural areas. For more information, visit SolarGrazing.org.

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