Goats: Naturally Fuelled Field Mowers

Meet our new naturally fuelled field mowers- literally! These little goats, we are hoping, will grow to get bigger and keep the back fields mowed down of all the brush and annoying weeds. I only say we are hoping because although we have read a lot on how goats should help clear vegetation- we want to really see it to believe it.

One website states that goats can "be used for clearing brush, when properly managed. Large counties and cities are finding that "hiring" a herd of goats to clear unwanted vegetation can be both cost effective as well as environmentally much more acceptable." See http://eventsatthefarm.com/whygoats.htm.  

I also read on hobbyfarms.com that: "Weeds are tasty to most goats, which are natural browsers. This makes goats an excellent method to control unwanted vegetation without the use of herbicides or heavy equipment.This method of keeping weeds to a minimum, called “mitigation,” helps reduce the risk of brush fires."

You'll find this list on www.goattrimmers.com (a site advertising goats for hire) on why goats as brush control are a great idea:

"Goats are the ideal weed control and brush clearing solution for:
• New development
• Removing invasive species and restoring native plants
• Fire prevention
• Landscape maintenance"

Of course, there will be the negatives our family will have to consider now that we have more animals to take care of- such as:
- Making sure the goats don't eat poisonous plants
- Feeding the goats in the wintertime when there is no brush available
- Keeping the goats in the fenced area (we've had a couple escapes so far and the goats are pretty tricky!)
- Keeping predators away.
- And being prepared to take care of the goats if they are sick.

Those negatives are hard to think of though when looking at the cute little faces of our field mowers! We're looking forward to having an extended clear area on the property- We hope it works!

Do you use goats or animals to keep your brush down? We'd love to hear your thoughts, stories, and experiences!