As a land steward, finding eco-friendly and efficient ways to manage invasive species is a constant challenge. This year, we decided to try something new and exciting by incorporating goats into our farm for invasive species control. Meet our adorable new team members: Gus, Maggie, Ellie, and Marvin the Martian. These goats have quickly become an integral part of our farm, not only for their charming personalities but also for their voracious appetite for invasive plants, particularly buckthorn.

The Problem with Invasive Species

Invasive species like buckthorn can wreak havoc on farmland. Buckthorn, in particular, spreads rapidly, choking out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. Traditional methods of controlling invasive species often involve chemical herbicides or intensive manual labor, both of which can be costly and have negative environmental impacts.

Why Goats?

Goats are natural foragers, and their grazing habits can be harnessed to control invasive plants. Unlike chemical treatments, goats provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. They can access hard-to-reach areas, leaving the soil undisturbed and allowing native plants to thrive once the invasive species are managed.

Here Gus pulls down native sumac, before fully entering the buckthorn patch.

Meet the Team

Gus: The biggest of the crew, Gus leads the way, pulling down branches and getting at other hard to reach areas first.
Maggie: She looks sweet and gentle, but she is secretly the boss. Maggie has a knack for finding the most stubborn patches of buckthorn, and will fight you for it/
Ellie: Ellie is our smallest goat, but she makes up for her size with her enthusiasm and determination.
Marvin the Martian: With his unique name and playful demeanor, Marvin the Martian is a favorite among visitors. He’ll nibble on anything, including you!

The Benefits of Using Goats

Cost-Effective: Goats reduce the need for expensive herbicides and labor costs associated with manual removal.
Eco-Friendly: Using goats minimizes the use of chemicals, promoting a healthier environment.
Effective: Goats can graze in areas that are difficult for machinery or humans to access, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Soil Health: Goats' grazing promotes soil aeration and fertilization, contributing to improved soil health.

The Process

Incorporating goats into our invasive species management plan was straightforward. We started by identifying areas heavily infested with buckthorn and autumn olive. Gus, Maggie, Ellie, and Marvin the Martian were then introduced to these areas with solar powered electric fencing. Their natural grazing instincts took over, and they began munching away at the invasive plants.

We rotate the goats through different sections of the farm to prevent overgrazing and allow native plants to recover. This rotational grazing strategy ensures that the goats have a continuous supply of food while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Then we seed and plant native species after the goats have moved on.

Washtenaw County Conservation District supported this opportunity through their cost share program.

Observations and Results

Since introducing our goat team, we've noticed a significant reduction in buckthorn density, giving us better access to the land. The goats' selective grazing habits allow native plants to regenerate, leading to a more balanced and diverse plant community. Additionally, our soil health is improving.

With the native (but aggressive and resilient) sumac out of the way, the squad as started on the buckthorn.

Conclusion

Incorporating goats like Gus, Maggie, Ellie, and Marvin the Martian into our farm has been a game-changer in our battle against invasive species. Their natural grazing habits provide an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient solution to controlling buckthorn and autumn olive. As we continue to observe the positive impacts on our farm's ecosystem, we're excited to see how our goat team will further contribute to our sustainable farming practices.

If you're considering alternative methods for invasive species control, we highly recommend giving goats a try. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you'll also gain some delightful new friends along the way.

Introducing - The Goat Squad