ADK Talks
ADK Talks brings you the stories behind the people, places, and things to do in the Adirondack Park of New York State. With 6 million acres, the Adirondacks are the ultimate playground.
We take you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of one of America's most breathtaking regions. Just like we do on our website, adktaste.com, our podcast uncovers the hidden gems of the Adirondacks, offering hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay, eat, shop and do in the Adirondack Park.
But this isn't just about places. It's about the people who make the Adirondacks so special and unique. In each episode, we talk to people from all walks of life—restauranteurs, farmers, innkeepers, historians, artists, local leaders, writers, hikers, and more. Hear real stories about what they do, their passions, and how they found their way here.
And they'll share their insider tips on the best things to see and do in the Adirondacks – insights you won't find anywhere else.
So subscribe now to ADK Talks to get real stories from real people, sharing the real Adirondacks.
You can also visit us online at adktaste.com.
ADK Talks
Sheep, Solar, and Sunshine: Rethinking Farming in the Adirondacks
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What if sheep could help preserve farmland, support renewable energy, and make family farming more sustainable?
We’re kicking off our Women in Agriculture series with Rebekah Pierce, co-owner of J&R Pierce Family Farm in West Chazy, New York. Rebekah and her husband, Josh, never planned to become farmers. What began with a few chickens grew into a pasture-based farm raising sheep, cattle, pigs, and poultry across Northern New York.
Their turning point was solar grazing. Instead of using mowers to control vegetation around solar panels, energy companies hire farmers to bring in sheep. The animals gain access to fresh pasture, the panels remain clear, and farmland continues producing food while generating renewable energy.
Listen for a hopeful look at the future of Adirondack agriculture, where sheep, sunshine, local food, and creative thinking can all share the same field.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- How an accidental farm became a full-time business.
- Why land access changes everything for new farmers.
- How sheep keep solar sites productive.
- Why shade can improve pasture quality.
- How solar grazing created financial stability.
- What this model could mean for Adirondack farming.
- Simple ways to support local agriculture.
Resources:
- J&R Pierce Family Farm
- American Solar Grazing Association
- Adirondack Harvest and Year-Round Local Food
Produced by NOVA