The goats have done an incredible job of keeping the Goat Grove clear of underbrush, weeds and general overgrown junk. It’s truly awesome. Naturally, while trying to catch up with our not-quite-end-of-the-season mowing, I thought it’d be a great idea to start free-ranging the goats on the farm.
Free-range animals are allowed to move freely around the land to forage for food. There are huge benefits to this style of raising farm animals including benefits for land and weed maintenance, soil health, natural fertilization, control of invasive plants and the wellbeing of the animals.
Most of the herd has been on the farm for about a year. A few were acquired early in 2021, but for the most part, they’re all well-established in the safety and security of the Goat Grove. They know that’s “home.” They know it’s where they’ll get some grain, hay and shelter. They also understand the boundaries established by the electric fences.
That awareness gives us a pretty good advantage in being able to test the waters with free-ranging. If the goats are startled, they go back to the Grove. If the goats are chased, they go back to the Grove. If a predator makes them uncomfortable, they go back to the Grove. Their natural instinct to return to the Grove makes it a hundred times easier for us to get them back to their pen when we want or need to – and thus gives us a bit of confidence in letting them explore.
So, we’ve started.
This week, I’ve been letting them out during my workday so they can roam the yard while I work from home and can keep an eye on where they’re at. So far, they’ve cleaned up a ton of overgrown bushes and trees that were dotting the backyard. Their quick work on leaves and vines means our weed eating and trimming work is cut in half – and I’m totally here for that. Let the animals do the work!
Naturally, while the crew was wandering today, Mama Goat made herself at home – literally. I was working from the living room and Aaron had left the front door open for a minute when – suddenly – I hear some bleating over the baby gate. Home girl let herself in the front door and was making her way into the renovation to explore the latest updates. She doesn’t have a shy bone in her body and it’s absolutely hilarious.