GOAT Brush Clearing
At GOAT Brush Clearing, we utilize goats as a natural method of vegetation management through targeted grazing. Whether it is invasive species management, fire fuel mitigation, or overgrown brush clearing, our goats have it covered!
About the humans!
GOAT Brush Clearing is owned and operated by Heath and Emma. With a passion for both the environment and animals, the business was brought to life.
Hanging out with goats all day is the best job ever!
About the goats!
We currently operate a herd of 50 goats, with the majority being lives we have saved at auction. At GOAT Brush Clearing, every single goat has a name, not a number and they are all treated as individuals with their own special personalities.
The health and well-being of our goats is at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves in the excellent care we provide them. Without the goats, there wouldn't be a business after all!
Head over to the Meet the Team page to meet our 4 legged employees!
A deep dive into what goats do best.
What is targeted grazing?
Targeted grazing is an environmentally friendly land management technique that uses goats to naturally control unwanted vegetation.
Goats are placed in selected areas to eat invasive plants, dense brush, and overgrown vegetation. Plants and trees that are not to be grazed are securely fenced off with temporary electric netting.
Thus, reducing fire fuel and restoring access to the land without the need for heavy machinery or chemical herbicides.
How can goats eradicate invasive species?
When goats are sent in to conduct targeted grazing on invasive species, they eat the seeds that the plants produce.
When the seeds go through the goats digestive system, they are destroyed and do not re-grow after the goats poop them out.
When targeted grazing is conducted regularly, the invasive species are not able to re-populate and will eventually be eradicated.
How can goats mitigate fire fuels?
Goats can be used in areas prone to wildfires to reduce the fire fuel load. The goats go into the area and eat away all the dry underbrush that feeds the fires.
An additional benefit of goats is that they will not create sparks like heavy machinery, which could lead to ignition.
Goats are frequently used in the US for fire fuel mitigation, and utilizing this method in Canada would be greatly beneficial in protecting our forests.
Difficult terrain capabilities.
Goats are able to navigate steep difficult terrain that is not suitable for either humans or machines. Their hooves provide them with grip and balance to navigate steep and rocky areas.
Accessibility also plays a large factor. Goats can get into places where large machines can't fit - like fenced areas.
Goats are excellent climbers, leave the dangerous slopes to them!