Frequently Asked Questions

What is targeted grazing?

According to the Targeted Grazing Handbook, “targeted grazing is the application of specific livestock at a determined season, duration, frequency and intensity to accomplish defined vegetation or landscape goals.”

Why pay someone for target grazing services?  Isn’t free grass enough?!

Targeted grazing is a service business, providing a highly effective way to mitigate fire fuels and manage our Sierra Foothills landscape. Effective targeted grazing focuses on impacting vegetation, at the right time, with goats uniquely able to address steep and rocky terrains, areas difficult for gas-guzzling machines and humans to get to. Livestock need to be fed before they arrive on your property and after they leave, so part of the service targeted grazing offers is the logistical planning necessary to keep the animals “employed” as the seasons evolve.

What size job is the “right size” for the ScapeGoats team?

The ScapeGoats team consists of 65-75 male goats, from a variety of breeds, aged somewhere between teenager and mature adult. This diversity enables the team with a broad range of eating preferences, height and agility abilities, and strong herd behavior. This team tackles jobs between 2 and 20 acres.

When is the BEST time (most effective) to graze my project area?

Effective targeted grazing focuses on impacting vegetation, at the right time for that specific vegetation. The “right time” is different for most vegetation, as it refers to the growth cycle of the plant. For example, target grazing Yellow Star Thistle in our area, is most effective during the plant’s “boot stage” (May - June), whereas, addressing our regional Himalayan Blackberry or poison oak, is best in the Fall when the plants begin to go dormant for winter (Oct - Dec). We will assess your specific situation during a site visit and provide a recommendation.

What can I expect the impact to my space to look like after the ScapeGoats are done?

Grazing/browsing livestock have three basic impacts on landscape. They consume vegetation through grazing, they trample vegetation, which facilitates the breakdown of the plant carbon in the soil and modifies wildfire fuel profiles, and they transfer nutrients through defecation and urination. Goats are considered “browsers”, unlike sheep and cows who are “grazers.” Browsers will eat the best tasting forage first, starting at eye level and will stand up on their hind legs to eat plants growing up a tree, and will raise tree skirts to 5-6 feet. This is critical in reducing the fuel ladder between the ground and the trees.  Goats will also eat down most grasses effectively.

Is the de-vegetation and site clearing permanent?

Wouldn’t that be nice! Unlike many treatment methods, targeted grazing actually removes fire fuel from the landscape. Additionally, understanding the growth characteristics and vulnerabilities of specific vegetation is key.  For example, grazing Yellow Star-thistle during the bolt stage (April to June), can dramatically reduce the plant’s seed production, which diminishes reseeding.  Similarly, having the goats browse Himalayan Blackberry in the Fall as the plants are going dormant can stress root systems at a critical time, again, discouraging the plants growth.

Best ways to optimize all the hard work the ScapeGoats do?

Embrace a perspective of ongoing fuel management.  Just as it took time for those plants to establish themselves, it often takes several acts to affect a plant’s persistence and shock it enough to stop growing.  Also know that there are 2-3 years worth of seed bed in the ground below your vegetation, making every attempt to see sunlight. The good news is that the our first visit often clears years of growth and is therefore the biggest impact!  Follow-up work by hand is strongly encouraged and is absolutely key to mitigating invasive and undesirable plants from returning.  We hope you’ll see the value of the goat's initial impact and agree a maintenance schedule with your goat partners will keep things in check.

Are goats allergic to any plants?

Poisonous and toxic plants, as well as prized landscape, are a big concern for targeted grazers. Some plants are so toxic that just a small amount could result in severe disease or death, and no one wants Grandma’s cherished rose bushes to get eaten either!  Toxic and poisonous plants and any prized landscape will need to be removed or fenced off prior to the goat's arrival. Our top toxic plant concerns include: Tree-of-Heaven, Poke Weed, Oleander, Avocado leaves, Lupine, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and nitrate-heavy grasses that accumulate in their systems over time. We will determine any risk during a site visit.

How do the ScapeGoats stay contained and safe? 

We use 4’ tall electric net fencing powered by solar energizers to keep the goats focused on the job at hand. The goats have been trained to respect the fence which also offers protection from top predators like neighborhood dogs and coyotes. We also have GHOST, our 24/7 working protection dog, inside the paddock with the goats, whose sole responsibility is to protect the goats from predators. Thank you in advance for honoring the ways we keep our animals safe by keeping your interactions with the dog and goats on the opposite side of the fence from them, and don’t forget the fence will be pulsing 10,000 volts!

Are the ScapeGoats friendly?

In general our goats are very friendly, curious and enjoy being around our human activity.  In fact, they can be downright entertaining at times! That said, it is a team of all-male goats, weighing between 80 - 180 lbs, many with horns, and all will assert themselves for food, dominance, or if they feel threatened.  By all means, enjoy and observe the goats, but for your safety, please do not enter or alter their enclosure.

Do I need to do anything to care for the ScapeGoats while they are on my property?

Thanks for asking! It's ideal for us to have a good partnership to help ensure the safety and care of the animals while they are on your property. Ensuring the water source remains turned on and flowing, securing dogs, both yours and your neighbor’s, so they don’t prey on the goats, are just two examples of that partnership we will discuss.

How long does it take?

Targeted grazing will limit the goat’s access to an area to accomplish the grazing goals for that space. Targeted grazing principles suggest we aim to leave 4”- 6” of growth to aid erosion control while still shocking/affecting a plants growth cycle. Beyond that, the type of vegetation, its state of palatability and the quantity of the forage, as well as the terrain - steep or rocky, and temperature, are all part of the equation. The more palatable the forage, the faster the goats will graze. As forage dries, as temperatures rise, the goats grazing behaviors adjust. On average it takes our team about 4 - 7 days to graze an acre.

What does it cost?

Pricing will be based on the following factors: forage quality & density, terrain and slope, difficulty to fence, & access to water. We have a 2-acre minimum. Regional grasses, light brush, and some trees on relatively flat to gently rolling ground: $850 -$1000 per acre. Dense regional grasses, laden tree skirts, heavy brush, incl. blackberry and/or poison oak on relatively steep or rocky terrain: $1000 - $1800 per acre. Animal transportation: $350 covers both the drop-off and the pick-up within our service area. Pricing includes: set-up and take-down of electric net fencing, solar energizers to power fencing, on-site water sourced & set-up, on-site livestock guardian dog, and daily welfare checks on the animals.

What areas do you service?

The ScapeGoats team services the Sierra Foothill areas of Auburn, Grass Valley, Lincoln, Loomis, Newcastle, and neighboring areas.