As a young farmer without a permanent land base, I’ve been exploring different ways to manage land sustainably while building a business that aligns with my values. Last summer, I spent two weeks clearing out an area of my yard that had been overtaken by autumn olives and other shrubs that had grown taller than me. After all that hard work, I started thinking—how do I keep this from happening again? Should I keep cutting them down every year, or is there a better way that doesn’t involve harmful chemicals?
That’s when I realized how goats can be the perfect solution. Goats are like nature’s all-terrain lawnmowers, but instead of just clearing brush, they fertilize the land as they graze. Their unique ability to thrive on woody plants and invasive species makes them ideal for land management in areas where fire, mowing, or herbicides might do more harm than good. By grazing the land, goats help restore ecosystems, keeping shrubs under control and promoting healthier grass growth. And because they’re smaller and lighter than cows, they can navigate sensitive landscapes without causing erosion or damaging the soil.
Enter Goats on the GO a national network that uses goats for targeted grazing services to control unwanted vegetation. They provide a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods of land clearing, reducing the need for chemicals and improving the land’s health naturally. Goats on the Go deploys goats to areas where invasive plants and weeds need to be managed, often in places that are hard to reach or unsuitable for mechanical equipment. It’s an environmentally responsible way to tackle land management challenges while supporting conservation efforts.
I first heard about Goats on the Go during a Soil Health Academy grazing class in Dafter, Michigan, where I met a guy who had used his Goats on the Go business to finance his farm. He told me about how rewarding it was to use goats to improve land while getting paid for it, and the idea really resonated with me. He explained that all you need is a truck, a cattle trailer, electric fencing, and a solar fence charger to get started. From there, it’s all about working with landowners to create a grazing plan, setting up the goats in targeted areas, and managing them as they clear the land. For someone like me, who loves the idea of adaptive grazing and improving land health, this seemed like a perfect opportunity to combine my passion for regenerative agriculture with a sustainable business model.
Goat Grazing and My Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture
Goat grazing aligns perfectly with my dedication to regenerative agriculture. By using goats to manage invasive species and unwanted vegetation, we’re not only protecting the environment from chemical herbicides but also improving soil health. Goats contribute to land restoration by grazing on plants that would otherwise choke out native species and reduce biodiversity. Their natural grazing habits help regenerate the soil, support plant diversity, and enhance ecosystem function. This approach to land management reflects the very core of what regenerative agriculture is all about: working with nature to heal the land and build resilience.
A Unique Opportunity for Education
One of the things I love most about goat grazing is its potential to educate others. Goats are engaging, and they often spark curiosity in both kids and adults. Watching them in action, people begin to ask questions about farming, ecology, and sustainability. This creates an excellent opportunity to teach about land stewardship, the importance of biodiversity, and the benefits of regenerative agriculture. I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned, and goat grazing provides a fun, hands-on way to do that.
A Path to Sustainable and Healthy Food
Goat grazing is not only great for land management—it also supports the production of healthy, nutrient-dense food. Goat meat is a lean, high-protein option that is becoming more popular. By rotationally grazing goats on pasture, we can produce high-quality, grass-fed meat that benefits both our health and the environment. This aligns with my goal of producing sustainable, healthy food for my community, all while restoring the land we depend on.
A Profitable and Sustainable Business Model
Beyond its environmental benefits, goat grazing presents a fantastic business opportunity. With the growing demand for eco-friendly land management, services like goat grazing are becoming more sought after, especially in areas where invasive species need to be controlled or fire risks need to be reduced. As public concern about herbicide use continues to grow, offering a chemical-free alternative makes goat grazing an even more appealing service. And with the added benefit of producing goat meat, this creates a diverse revenue stream that makes the business financially viable.
Goats on the Go helps people like me start their own goat grazing businesses by providing training, support, and a recognizable brand. As part of their network, I’d have access to marketing resources, client connections, and the know-how needed to navigate the legal and logistical aspects of running a grazing operation. For someone who is passionate about sustainable land management but still learning the ropes of business, this kind of support is invaluable.
Looking Ahead: My Vision for Goat Grazing
As I look ahead to life after graduation, starting a goat grazing business feels like a natural next step. Not only would it allow me to pursue my passion for regenerative agriculture, but it would also give me the chance to make a meaningful impact on the land while building a sustainable business. By working with Goats on the Go, I’d have the tools and support to succeed, while helping to restore ecosystems and provide healthy food to my community.
Goat grazing is an opportunity to align my values with my work, all while learning, teaching, and growing. It’s a business that makes a difference—not just for the land but for future generations. I’m excited about the possibility of sharing this journey with others and showing how small-scale, sustainable practices can have a big impact.
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