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Producer| Blog > No matter the question, the answer is GOATS! | |
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| No matter the question, the answer is GOATS! | September 12, 2008 |
| Yes, you read it right. We've been bitten. It all started last winter, at a Working Lands Initiative team meeting, when I couldn't stop thinking about goats, and the potential of this grazing species to help us out with invasive woody brush control in grasslands and pastures. Not ready to own a herd ourselves, we began to check around to see if there were any goat herds on call for what we needed done. We were lucky enough to find a venturesome local goat producer that was willing to give it a whirl. 230 goats moved in on July 14th. They are still here, working day and night and enjoying every bite. We are rotating them around where we need work done. They favor the plants that cattle won't eat, and specialize in rockpiles! They love to stand on the highest rock and eat the most bothersome brush. Buckthorn is one of their favorites, but they are fond of poison ivy too. It's like a dream come true--with no fossil fuel expended, no time or nutrients wasted, the prairie and pastures receive needed restoration and we derived lots of entertainment as we observe and interact with the goats. They're great!
Goats are the darlings of summer, but meaty Angus are still our grazing specialists. After yet another season of drought (this makes 3 summers in a row), we are pleased to have sufficient high quality pasture to finish our cattle to perfection. We have been out of ground beef for months now, and are looking forward to treating ourselves to some nice, juicy all grass-fed beef burgers before the grill is put away for winter. Our next processing round is in November, so drop us an email or call us soon to reserve your quarter, half or whole beef. Enjoy the beautiful fall season! | |
| posted by forbord1 | |
