About The Goat Herder LLC

Welcome to The Goat Herder LLC, where we combine our love for the land with sustainable practices to provide eco-friendly grazing services. Established in 2024 in Dufur, Oregon, we are a family-owned, woman-owned, and veteran-operated business dedicated to helping local landowners manage vegetation naturally, promote healthy ecosystems, and reduce fire hazards—all with the help of our growing herd of goats.

The inspiration for The Goat Herder LLC came from Amanda’s father, Marc Neary, who was known nationwide as the "Goat Herder" for his extensive work on Pontiac GTO muscle cars. Marc’s nickname not only reflected his passion for GTOs but also his idea years ago to start a goat grazing business that he suggested to Ray and Amanda they start on their newly purchased property. After his passing in 2023, we decided to honor his legacy by bringing that idea to life. The name, The Goat Herder LLC, pays homage to Marc while representing our commitment to sustainability, community, and family values.

What began as a small herd of goats and a big vision has grown into a trusted provider of targeted goat grazing services. Our goats are used for clearing overgrown brush, managing invasive weeds, and creating defensible spaces to reduce wildfire risks—all while restoring the natural balance of the land.

Amanda Thomas – Owner
With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, including as a registered nurse, Amanda brings exceptional organization and care to every aspect of the business. As the heart and visionary behind The Goat Herd LLC, Amanda ensures that we stay true to our mission of sustainability, community service, and family legacy.

Ray Thomas – Operating Manager
Ray is an Army Military Police Veteran who served in the Global War on Terrorism during Operation Enduring Freedom. With more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, corrections, and land management, Ray’s leadership and problem-solving skills ensure our operations run smoothly. His disciplined approach ensures the safety of our goats and the efficiency of our grazing services.

Together, Amanda and Ray bring their unique expertise and passion to The Goat Herd LLC, helping the community embrace sustainable solutions for land management.

Recognizing the increasing threat of wildfires in our region, we set out to create an eco-friendly solution that not only protects communities but also promotes healthier ecosystems. By focusing on safety, precision, and environmental stewardship, our tailored grazing services create defensible spaces, restore landscapes, and provide effective, natural vegetation management.

We’ve diversified our herd to include Alpine, Nubian, Boer, and Kiko goats, breeds known for their hardiness and grazing efficiency. These resilient animals are key to tackling dense vegetation and invasive weeds, helping us deliver reliable results across varied terrains.

At The Goat Herder LLC, we are committed to growing our services and community impact. In addition to fire prevention and vegetation management, we plan to expand into breeding goats for 4H and FFA programs, supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.

From clearing small pastures to partnering with larger organizations and landowners, our journey is guided by the principles of sustainability, integrity, and service. We proudly serve Oregon and are expanding into Washington, helping protect homes, businesses, and natural landscapes—one acre at a time.