Goats are incredible foragers, not lawn mowers. Unlike lawn mowers, which cut vegetation uniformly at ground level, goats selectively browse, targeting a variety of plants, shrubs, and weeds. This natural foraging behavior makes them ideal for clearing overgrown areas, reducing invasive species, and managing vegetation in a sustainable and effective way.
The Foraging Advantage
Goats are browsers by nature, meaning they prefer to eat leaves, twigs, shrubs, and taller vegetation rather than grass. Here’s why their foraging habits make them excellent for land management:
- Targeted Grazing: Goats instinctively go for weeds, brush, and invasive plants that other animals avoid. This helps control species like blackberries, poison oak, and thistles.
- Multi-Layered Browsing: Unlike lawn mowers that only cut ground-level vegetation, goats clear different layers of overgrowth, from low-lying weeds to shrubs and small trees.
- Efficient Digestive Systems: Goats’ four-chambered stomachs allow them to safely digest tough plants, including those with thorns and toxins, making them highly effective at clearing challenging vegetation.
How It Works
- Assessment and Setup: We evaluate the area to identify the vegetation that needs clearing and determine the number of goats required. Portable fencing is then set up to contain the herd within the targeted zone.
- The Work Begins: Once the goats are released into the area, they instinctively begin browsing. They will nibble their way through the vegetation, focusing on the most nutritious and appealing plants first.
- Progress Monitoring: Our team closely monitors the goats’ progress, ensuring the job is done efficiently and the land is cleared to meet your goals.
- Completion and Cleanup: After the goats have finished grazing, we remove fencing and inspect the area to ensure satisfaction. Goats also leave behind natural fertilizer, improving soil health for future growth.
Why Foraging Is Better
- Eco-Friendly: No chemicals, machinery, or fuel required—just natural grazing.
- Cost-Effective: Goats do the work of machines and labor crews without the high costs.
- Fire Prevention: By clearing potential fuel sources like dry brush and invasive plants, goats help create defensible spaces that reduce wildfire risks.
- Promotes Biodiversity: Goats reduce invasive species, allowing native plants to thrive.