FAQs
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What is targeted grazing and how does it work?
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Targeted grazing is the removal of plant life by goats who are contained within an electric agriculture fence in an area that has become overgrown or possess an ecological hazard to native plant species.
Most properties will be divided into multiple grazing zones with each zone being approximately ½ acre. The herd is moved through each zone every 24-48 hours pending vegetation density. Leaving behind aerated soil, natural fertilization, and a biological reset that is essential to regenerating native plant species.
Our grazing herd utilizes Nofence Virtual Fence Collars when they are on projects. This allows us to break the grazing paddocks into smaller paddocks to concentrate the herds grazing efforts. We still use electrified mesh fencing for the overall project boundary as a means of predator deterrence. We can monitor the crew’s progress and move them to fresh areas without having to physically move fencing. The collars also monitor the status of the animal. It lets us know if the animal is pushing the virtual boundary or if the animal’s movements have decreased considerably or in contrast to the rest of the herds movement.
What areas do you serve?
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We are based in Jacksonville, AL (Calhoun County) and serve Calhoun, Etowah, and Cleburne Counties as well as parts of Talladega and St. Clair Counties in east Alabama, including Oxford, Jacksonville, and Gadsden. Service may be extended to other locations in the region on a case-by-case basis.
What will goats not eat or should not eat?
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I want to sell my herd, what is the process?
Goats will eat 95% of vegetation that is put in front of them. They’ll go after overgrown brush, vines, briars, poison ivy, kudzu, and even small saplings. They will not eat grass down to the dirt like cattle or sheep, which is important when promoting native vegetation regeneration.
The following are plants and weeds that are noxious to goats: Black cherry (Prunus serotina), Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense), Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), Lantana (Lantana camara), Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), Water hemlock (Cicuta spp.), Azalea (Rhododendron spp.), Yew (Taxus spp.), Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Crotalaria / Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis), Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.), Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), Horse nettle (Solanum carolinense), Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.), Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), Red maple (Acer rubrum), Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), Privet berries (Ligustrum spp.).
We will schedule a site visit to evaluate the herd. We will determine the overall health of the herd and ensure no issues are present. Once we determine the herd is healthy, we will discuss asking/purchase price. Many factors contribute to the final purchase price (current market value, gender makeup of the herd, breed, health, etc.) We all feel our goats come from championship bloodlines and are worth a premium on the open market. We work with our sellers to determine a fair price that works for both parties.