Targeted grazing is the use of carefully managed livestock to graze specific vegetation at a determined season, duration, and intensity to meet defined land management goals. At Brazos Vegetation Management, we utilize goats to manage vegetation, control invasive species, and maintain healthy ecosystems in an environmentally responsible manner. This eco-friendly alternative to traditional land management methods is effective and efficient, providing a natural solution without chemicals or fossil fuels.

Targeted grazing addresses several pressing challenges:

• Invasive species threaten ecosystems, with millions of acres lost annually to invasive plants that disrupt native habitats.

• Wildfires fueled by excessive vegetation, particularly invasive species, pose growing risks, especially in urban and suburban areas.

• There is increasing public resistance to the use of chemical herbicides, particularly near water bodies and residential areas. Targeted grazing provides a chemical-free solution to vegetation management.

• Soil erosion and the need for sustainable land management make grazing a preferable alternative to heavy machinery.

Targeted grazing services are ideal for a wide range of local government needs, including:

• Parks and public green spaces

• Trails and recreational areas

• Stormwater management areas (e.g., detention ponds, swales)

• Roadside vegetation

• Public facilities and campuses

• Utility companies (e.g., power transmission lines)

Our goats are particularly effective for controlling invasive plants, maintaining soil health, and improving the overall appearance of municipal properties.

While many local regulations prohibit the keeping of livestock, they often don’t account for short-duration, professional grazing services like ours. In fact, many local codes that restrict livestock were written long before targeted grazing became an option. We can work with local authorities to ensure compliance with regulations, often by positioning targeted grazing as a temporary, professional service, similar to other allowed commercial activities (e.g., outdoor events, circuses).

If your community is considering targeted grazing, we recommend updating local ordinances to address the growing popularity of this method. Consider the following:

• Define grazing limits based on animal days per acre, specifying the number of goats and the grazing duration.

• Ensure minimal permitting requirements to streamline the process and avoid delays in implementing grazing services.

• Use electric fencing for safe containment, while ensuring water access for the animals.

• Encourage partnerships with experienced grazing vendors who can deliver flexible, effective solutions while ensuring regulatory compliance.

When choosing a grazing vendor, focus on their experience, insurance, and track record of success. Ensure that the vendor provides clear pricing and can adapt their approach to meet your site-specific needs. At Brazos Vegetation Management, we work closely with municipal clients to deliver the best outcomes, focusing on vegetation control, invasive species management, and the long-term health of your public lands.

Goats offer several advantages for vegetation management:

• Eco-friendly: Goats reduce reliance on chemical herbicides and heavy machinery, supporting sustainable land care.

• Effective for invasive species control: Goats are natural browsers that thrive on tough, woody plants, and invasive species that other animals won’t eat.

• Efficient: Goats can work in hard-to-reach areas and are particularly effective in steep terrain and urban green spaces.

• No soil disturbance: Goats’ light grazing prevents soil compaction, reducing erosion risks.

• Natural fertilizer: Their droppings provide valuable nutrients that enrich the soil.

Getting started is simple! Contact us for an initial consultation. We’ll assess your site, identify vegetation control goals, and create a customized grazing plan to meet your needs. We’ll handle everything from goat deployment to monitoring and post-grazing evaluations, ensuring your property is well-maintained and your land management goals are met.