Wool growers and stockgrowers outline industry stressors; sheep grazing under solar panels highlighted

Lesley Robinson, president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, briefed the Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation Committee on a statewide 'producer profitability initiative' that convened producers at sale yards and compiled policy priorities such as estate-tax and other state tax concerns, with the stated aim of keeping agricultural land in production.

Robinson said the initiative gathered comments from about 1,000 people across ten meetings and that the association will continue compiling and pursuing policy recommendations. She offered her contact information for follow-up with committee members.

Callie Michaels, representing the Montana Wool Growers Association, told the committee that predators account for roughly 50 percent of sheep and lamb losses and that declining sheep numbers are linked to predation and workload pressures. "Predators account for about 50% of sheep and lamb losses," she said, adding that many producers have moved to cattle or other enterprises as a consequence.

Michaels also discussed agrivoltaics research suggesting sheep are suitable grazers under solar panels because they do not climb on or chew equipment and can keep vegetation controlled, reducing mowing or herbicide costs. She noted goats and cattle pose higher risks around panels.

Committee members asked about specific population numbers; Michaels said she did not have exact counts on the record and that some trends (declining sheep, steady cattle, growing goat numbers) were observed but not quantified in the hearing.

Next steps: Presenters offered contact information and outreach; no formal committee action was taken.