Why Hire Goats?

by Brittany Fangman

Goats can be utilized in a diverse range of landscapes for a variety of vegetation management goals. While they may be novel landscape tools in some parts of the world, they are very common in others. Goats have proven to be adaptable to a wide range of terrain thus targeted grazing can be applicable to wetlands, rangelands, farmland, suburbs, nature preserves, and more. Goat renters range from homeowners, conservation land managers, government agencies, to corporate entities. Common reasons for using goats include brush removal, eradication of invasive species, and the creation of fire breaks. Other land management goals may include habitat restoration, pasture maintenance, improving plant communities, and restoring biodiversity. 

Managed goat grazing can minimize negative environmental impacts of more common vegetation management tools. Goats can be utilized as the sole tool for vegetation management outcomes, or used in combination with more common techniques like chemicals, mechanical means, and fire. These techniques may come with high costs financially and environmentally, or liability concerns that goats can help mitigate and fill a niche. Likewise, these techniques may be limited by uncontrollable conditions, such as wet weather or slope;  goats can be utilized in any weather conditions and traverse any terrain.

Targeted goat grazing can come with surprising benefits. Research indicates that goats when managed appropriately may improve soil fertility twofold. Goats often target woody vegetation that sequesters valuable nutrients; likewise, their bodily waste can be beneficial to soil composition by providing natural fertilizer.  In addition, goats can help the soil sequester more carbon efficiently with the removal of invasive species. With the right management plan, opportunities to benefit the land seem limitless. Goat browsing professionals and renters have observed the power of goats, and goats for hire are on the rise.