Raia Olsen - Grazing Sheep on Solar Farms

Raia Olson, owner of Oahu Grazers, shares her journey into solar grazing and raising sheep for a unique market. She explains how solar companies contract her to graze and manage vegetation on solar sites, which also helps with fire mitigation. Raia discusses the challenges of processing sheep on Oahu and the need for a local food hub to support the market. She emphasizes the importance of providing mineral licks to ensure the animals receive the necessary nutrients and thrive. In this part of the conversation, Jessica and Raia discuss topics related to animal nutrition, medication, and the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers. They talk about the importance of providing specific nutrition for different animals, such as sheep and goats, and how certain minerals can be toxic for one species but beneficial for another. They also touch on the use of medications, such as antibiotics and dewormers, in animal agriculture, highlighting the need for responsible and transparent practices. The conversation then shifts to the issue of trespassing and theft that farmers and ranchers often face, with Jessica sharing personal experiences and expressing the need for respect and consideration from hunters and other individuals. They also debunk some myths about farming and animal agriculture