Minnesota Power and MNL Introduces New Mowing Method

DULUTH, Minn.– As time goes on, we learn more and more about sustainable living.

Minnesota Power partnered up with Minnesota Native Landscapes to try out sheep grazing. The Jean Duluth Solar spans 8.5 acres. And it is filled with precious native plants, pollinator plants, as well as other vegetation.

“As you can see, the vegetation is quite high.” pointed out Minnesota Power’s Carrie Ryan

Their mission is simple. When the time came to decide how to mow the grass, Ryan had other plans.

“We got in about 100 Katahdin sheep delivered here to do our first kind of pilot project in sheep grazing.” said Ryan

This method is nothing new.

“So, we’ve talked about it for a long time. Sheep grazing is actually common out east and even in southern Minnesota.” said Ryan

According to Ryan, the benefits are endless.

“I’d say sheep grazing is a win for everybody.” explained Ryan “Sheep grazing is good for the environment. Obviously, we don’t have to mow, which reduces fuel and emissions.”

The sheep are on board as well.

“With sheep, their entire job, even when not in a solar farm is to eat grass.” explained MNL Grazing Manager Jodee Nohner. “They don’t have a huge amount of personality, but they love to be on a site, and they love to eat grass.”

After the sheep is done with the grazing, the sustainability doesn’t stop there. Eventually, they contribute to the circle of life.

“You have a product that is not only going to do good for sustainable power, but feed people.” said Nohner

According to Nohner, sustainability is more important than ever.

“We can’t just think about the right now, the kids in the future, the generations that come next.” said Nohner “I think it’s a partnership that’s going to work really, really well for both companies.”