Frequently Asked Questions
The Process
What to expect from start to finish
What is the process for hiring goats?
It starts with a consultation and site visit. We walk your property, evaluate vegetation type and density, look at terrain, access points, and discuss your goals. From there:
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We provide a project estimate
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Schedule your grazing dates
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Coordinate access and setup details
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Install temporary fencing and water systems
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Deliver the herd
Once the goats arrive, the work begins immediately. When they are done we send an invoice.
What do I need to do before the goats arrive?
We ask that you:
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Remove trash, wire, and debris
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Flag any trees or plants you want protected
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Provide clear access for trailer and fencing setup
If there are smooth-bark trees (like young maples or apple trees) you want to protect, we will either:
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Fence around them, or
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Adjust grazing density and strategy
Goats do not eat trunks or mature trees — but they can strip bark from young, smooth-bark trees if they run low on forage. Proper planning prevents that.
Do goats eat roots? Won’t it just grow back?
Goats are not pigs — they do not root up plants. They eat vegetation above ground. Yes, vegetation will regrow.
The goal of goat grazing is to:
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Reduce vegetation load
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Knock back invasive species
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Open up dense brush
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Make the area accessible for follow-up clearing
Many properties benefit from repeat grazing over time to weaken invasive species and maintain control.
Do I need the goats to come back?
Often, yes — especially for invasive species control.
First grazing:
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Knocks everything back
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Opens the canopy
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Reduces bulk vegetation
Follow-up grazing:
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Targets regrowth
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Further weakens invasive species
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Maintains manageable conditions
We'll recommend a plan based on your long-term goals.
Do the goats get out?
Our goal is for the goats to stay in their designated paddock on every single job. However... goats are goats. They can, could, and have gotten out.
Reasons may include:
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Deer knocking down fencing
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Turkeys attempting to roost or push through netting
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Severe weather (Lake Michigan has absolutely destroyed fencing before)
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Determined goats are escape artists
If goats get out:
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They are usually located pretty quickly
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We walk you through how to safely contain them until we arrive
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We respond promptly
Goats are known escape artists — when there's a will, there's sometimes a way. But containment is always our top priority.
Do wildlife get stuck in the fences?
Wildlife interactions can happen. Deer, turkeys, and other animals may disturb fencing. We use appropriate netting and monitor projects closely.
We’ve had fencing damaged by wildlife and extreme weather — it’s part of working in nature. Ask us at your site visit — we’ve got stories.
How do you know when the goats are done eating?
The goats let us know. When vegetation is grazed down, and their hunger starts to outweigh respect for the fence, it’s time to move them. Signs include:
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Increased vocalizing
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Pacing fence lines
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“Screaming” when they see us
(Except for Screamer. She screams all the time just to say hi. We love her. She is also slightly dramatic.)
Typically, a herd of 70–80 goats can clear about one acre of thick vegetation per week, depending on density. We also move them strategically to reduce parasite exposure — something we’ve discussed on our social media if you’d like to learn more.
Are the goats loud?
Not usually. If you hear consistent noise, it may include:
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Water needs refilling
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They’re ready to be moved
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It’s raining (they dislike precipitation)
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They see you and think you brought snacks
Most of the time, they quietly work.
Are the goats friendly?
Yes... and no. Our goats are primarily free-range, pasture-raised working animals. We are intentionally hands-off to maintain a hardy, low-maintenance herd. That’s why we use Kiko goats — they are resilient and capable of taking care of themselves. They:
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Know us
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Know the loading and unloading process
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Teach their babies the system
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Move on and off trailers as a herd
Some enjoy treats (unfrosted animal crackers are a favorite), but be warned — feeding one can attract the entire herd very quickly.
Why do your goats have horns? What do you mean by protection?
Our herds are made up primarily of mothers and babies. Their horns are for protection against:
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Eagles, hawks, owls, fox, coyotes, stray or loose dogs, even each other
Goats are tough. The herd works together to protect kids. We have some older, no-nonsense does we jokingly call our “coyote killers.” They don’t tolerate threats.
What happens after the goats leave?
After grazing:
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Vegetation will be reduced significantly
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Invasive species will be knocked back
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The land will be more accessible
This is often the best time to:
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Cut remaining woody stems
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Apply follow-up management (if desired)
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Seed or restore native areas
Goat grazing is often step one in a long-term land management plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goat Grazing
Explore our most commonly asked questions.
What is goat grazing?
Goat grazing (also called targeted grazing) is an eco-friendly vegetation management method where goats naturally clear brush, weeds, invasive plants, and overgrowth.
What types of plats do goats eat?
Goats love:
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Buckthorn
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Poison ivy
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Multiflora rose
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Honeysuckle
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Thistles
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Brush and woody saplings
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Overgrown pasture weeds
They prefer brush and leaves over grass.
Do goats eat posion ivy?
Yes! Goats can safely eat poison ivy without harm, making them an excellent natural solution for clearing it.
Will goats kill the plants completely?
Goats remove foliage and can weaken plants over time. Some invasive species may require multiple grazing sessions for long-term control.
How much land can goats clear?
It depends on vegetation density, terrain, and herd size. We assess each property to estimate time and coverage.
How long does a grazing project take?
Most residential projects last a few days to a couple of weeks. Larger or heavily overgrown areas may take longer.
Are goats safe to be around children and pets?
Yes. Our goats are contained within secure fencing and are supervised. We provide clear guidelines to ensure safe interactions.
Do you provide fencing
Yes. We install temporary electric net fencing to safely contain the goats during the project.
Do goats need water or shelter?
Yes. We provide fresh water daily and monitor the herd closely. In most grazing projects, natural features like trees, brush, and rocky bluffs offer excellent protection from sun, wind, and weather. On properties where natural shade isn’t available, we provide a portable shade canopy as needed. We also complete these types of projects as efficiently as possible to ensure the goats remain comfortable and well cared for.
What happens if it rains?
Goats aren’t big fans of precipitation — they’d much rather be browsing on a dry day. That said, they’re hardy range animals and are built to live and work in the natural world. Most grazing sites provide natural protection such as trees, brush, and rocky terrain that offer shelter from the elements. While rainy weather isn’t ideal, the goats are well-equipped to handle normal Wisconsin conditions and are carefully monitored to ensure their comfort and well-being.
Is goat grazing environmentally friendly?
Absolutely. Goat grazing:
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Reduces chemical herbicide use
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Minimizes soil disturbance
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Prevents erosion
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Improves soil health
Will goats damage trees or landscaping?
Goats prefer brush and invasive growth. We protect desirable trees and plants when requested.
Do goats smell?
No more than typical farm animals. With regular maintenance and rotation, odor is minimal.
How much does goat grazing cost?
Do I need to be home during grazing?
Not necessarily. We handle setup, daily checks, and monitoring. We do however need you there for the site visit and for conformation as to where the fence is to be set at the time of set up.
Will goats damage trees or landscaping?
Goats prefer brush and invasive growth. We protect desirable trees and plants when requested.
What types of properties do you serve?
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Residential properties
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Farms and pastures
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Wooden lots
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Municipal properties
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Commercial land
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Hard-to-reach slopes
Can goats graze steep or hard-to-reach areas?
Yes! Goats excel on hillsides, wooded areas, and uneven terrain where machinery struggles.
How do I prepare my property before goats arrive?
We will cover this at the site visit we do ask that you:
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Remove trash and debris
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Flag and protect the plants when possible you want saved
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Provide access to the grazing area
Do goats eliminate ticks?
Goats help reduce tick habitat by removing brush and dense vegetation, which can decrease tick populations over time.
How do I schedule a grazing project?
Simply contact us through our website for a consultation and site evaluation.
Do goats eat the roots of plants?
No — goats are not pigs. They do not root up or dig out plant roots. Goats are browsers, meaning they eat leaves, stems, vines, and woody growth above ground. They clear vegetation without tearing up soil, which helps prevent erosion and protects the integrity of your land.
Additional Resources
Goats vs. Pigs
Not all grazing animals clear land the same way. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand which method fits your goals.
Invasive Species
Managing invasive species.
After the Goats
Once the goats have finished their job, your brush will look a lot different. Here's what you need to know.
Brush Management
Managing brush and invasive species is never a one-size-fits-all job—every property, goal, and landowner is different.