From HOA Lawns to Solar Grazing: My Journey with the Renewa Good Steward Scholarship

A few years ago, I never imagined I’d be where I am today, leasing land, managing sheep, and officially stepping into the world of agriculture through solar grazing. But thanks to the Renewa Good Steward Scholarship, that dream became a reality.

A Soil Health Awakening

I’ve always had the best lawn in the neighborhood. That’s what happens when you buy every product available and spend way too much time obsessing over grass. But one night, as I watched fellow “grass nerds” on YouTube, an unexpected video on soil health popped up. The next day, I grabbed a shovel and dug into my perfectly manicured yard, only to find it lifeless, no worms, less than an inch of topsoil, and a stark realization that I had been unknowingly damaging my soil. That moment changed everything. Over the next five years, I transformed my approach. I became a composter, started rotationally grazing chickens, and even built up five inches of nutrient-rich topsoil. Still, the leap into full-scale farming seemed impossible, until I discovered solar grazing.

Discovering Agrivoltaics

I had never heard of agrivoltaics before, but when I saw a post from White Oak Pastures about a solar grazing workshop, something clicked. The more I read, the more I realized this was the opportunity I had been searching for. But attending the workshop came with a hefty price tag. over $4,000 including my travel expenses. That wasn’t an option for me. Just when I was about to give up on the idea, I saw the Renewa Good Steward Scholarship. I almost didn’t apply. Almost. But I took a chance, and when I got the email saying I had been selected, I may have started packing that very night.

The Solar Grazing Workshop Experience

Walking into the workshop, I had no idea what to expect. Would there be a huge crowd? Would I even get to see sheep grazing under solar panels? Would the food be good? (Spoiler: it was.) What I found was an incredibly diverse group of people – developers, farmers, and sustainability enthusiasts all coming together with a shared purpose. The interactive discussions and hands-on learning at White Oak Pastures were invaluable. Before day two, I had never even seen a solar array up close, let alone sheep managing vegetation beneath one. The experience was like drinking from a fire hydrant, overwhelming yet completely exhilarating.

Lessons That Changed Everything

The biggest lesson I took away? That I could do this. Farming wasn’t some unattainable dream. Watching the White Oak team move sheep with ease and purpose showed me that livestock management was not only possible but within reach. Bridget and the team were generous with their time, patiently answering my endless questions. Their guidance helped me take the next step.

Turning Knowledge into Action

Six months after the workshop, I took a leap of faith—I leased a small pasture and bought my first sheep. With every challenge I faced, Bridget was there to offer support. And now, just 10 months after attending the workshop, I am officially grazing sheep on solar. 2025 is looking bright!

The Future of Solar Grazing

Solar grazing opens doors for a new generation of farmers, people like me who don’t have access to affordable farmland through traditional means. It’s not easy, and challenges abound, but for those willing to seize the opportunity, the potential is incredible. I’m not a young man anymore, but stepping into this field has made me feel like a kid again. The excitement I have for the future of agriculture is something I never thought possible.

Gratitude and Advice for Future Attendees

The most unexpected part of my workshop experience? The incredible people. I had the chance to sit down with Mr. Harris from White Oak Pastures, and his passion for soil health was inspiring. I also met an incredible farmer from Kentucky, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. To anyone considering this workshop, my advice is simple: Be the first to breakfast and the last to leave dinner. Absorb everything. Take notes. Ask all the dumb questions, you won’t regret it.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

The Renewa Good Steward Scholarship didn’t just fund a trip, it changed my life. It introduced me to agrivoltaics, gave me the confidence to step into farming, and provided a path forward for my family’s future. I was owed nothing but was given everything freely, and for that, I am forever grateful. Thank you, Renewa, for helping create a new solar grazier and a lifelong steward of the land.

Apply for the Renewa Good Steward Scholarship

If you’re passionate about sustainable agriculture and want to explore the possibilities of solar grazing, I highly encourage you to apply for the Renewa Good Steward Scholarship. This opportunity could be the bridge between you and your future in agriculture, just like it was for me.

Apply here and take the first step toward making your agricultural dreams a reality!

Courtesy of Travis Clark