SignalsAZ.com Prescott News Podcast - Goats used to clear brush, wildfire management

Episode Date: January 14, 2025

Send us a text and chime in!Goats: Ecological warriors, Economic heroes, Environmental stewardsSources of this podcast include:Oklahoma Department of Wildlife ConservationModern FarmerThunder Mountain Rescue RanchSignalsAZ.comRangelands.orgCheck out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Welcome to the deep dive. Today, we're going to dive into using goats for brush management. I know you're interested in this. I am, too. It's a fascinating topic. Yeah, it is. And we've got a few different sources we're looking at today. Okay.

We've got articles from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Modern Farmer. Right. And a news piece from Signalsaz.com. Great. And, yeah, I'm excited. Me too. This whole thing. When I saw it, I thought, why haven't we been talking about goods?

goats more. Right. They have so much potential these animals. It's true. Like the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, they pointed out that goats, they just naturally prefer woody plants. Yeah, that's right. Like 60% of their diet.

It's a big chunk. It's huge. That's a serious commitment to brush clearing. Absolutely. And that's why they're so effective at controlling these invasive species, like autumn olive. Oh, yeah. Or multifluor rows. Oh.

Where cattle might just kind of graze around it. Goats are going right for the problem. It's like their little targeted ecological warriors. That's a great way to put it. Plus, they have this really cool ability to strip bark, which can effectively girdle trees. Okay. Especially those tough species like cedar and locust. So they just kind of eat all the way around?

Yeah. Essentially, they're cutting off the flow of nutrients and eventually that tree dies. So is that good? I mean, is girdling good or bad? Because sometimes we want to remove trees, but sometimes we want to keep them healthy, right? You're absolutely right. That's where careful planning comes in. It all depends on your goals for your land.

If you're trying to restore a native prairie, for example, getting rid of those invasive cedars, that can be a huge win. Yeah, it'd open it right up. Exactly. But if you've got a prized apple orchard, you're going to want to keep the goats far, far away. Right. That makes total sense. So it's all about strategy, understanding your goals and then using goats strategically. Yeah, absolutely. One of the articles that was modern farmer, they made a funny comparison.

They said sheep are like lawnmowers while goats are more like bush hogs. What's the deal with that? Well, you know, sheep are great at keeping grassy areas trimmed, just like a nice even lawnmower cut. Yeah. But when you've got thicker, taller, woodyer plants taking over, that's where the goats really shine. They'll even stand on their hind legs to reach those tasty leaves and branches.

Oh, okay. Well, that's really cool. It is. It's really fun to watch. Yeah. That's adorable. Yeah. It's super practical, too.

I can already picture them clean. up my fence line, you know, reaching high up to where I can't even get with the tremor. Yeah, exactly. And think about places where you wouldn't even want to take a lawnmower or a bushhog, like steep slopes or rocky terrain. Goats handle that with ease. Okay. That's amazing. Yeah. So this ability to tackle that tough vegetation makes goats incredibly valuable. And for a lot of reasons. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like they offer some pretty impressive environmental and economic benefits.

Like, could they actually be a better option than the spraying herbicides or bringing in heavy machinery? In many cases, yes. You hit the nail on the head. Goats are a low-impact, eco-friendly alternative to those more intensive methods. Yeah, they're not adding harmful chemicals to this oil. Exactly. And they're not compacting the ground with all that heavy equipment. You got it.

Plus, I bet the neighbors prefer a few goat bleats to the roar of a tractor all day. Right. Much more peaceful. And speaking of neighbors, the SignalsazZ.com article had a great example of goats being used in a city. Really? Yeah. Apparently, the city of Tucson is using them to maintain their aquifer recharge basins. They're replacing heavy machinery with these nimble, eco-friendly workers.

Oh, wow. Yeah. That's remarkable. It makes me wonder if other cities are catching on to this. I hope so. I think it's a great idea. Now, the articles also mentioned that goats play a role in. and wildfire prevention. How does that work?

Well, it all comes down to reducing fuel loads. Those dry, woody plants that goats love to munch on, that's the same stuff that fuels wildfires. By clearing out that underbrush, goats can help create defensible spaces and reduce the risk of those fires spreading rapidly. So it's not just about aesthetics. It's about public safety, too. Exactly. These benefits aren't just theoretical either. We see them in action in all sorts of places. The Rangelens.org research paper talked about using goats to open up overgrown brush for wildlife in Kansas. Right.

And there was even a mention of an electric company in New Hampshire using them to clear vegetation under power lines. Yeah, pretty versatile. Yeah. And think about the cost savings there. Instead of sending out crews with chainsaws or risking damage from herbicides, you've got a team of goats happily doing the job and often in areas that are difficult for humans to access. That's a good point. Okay. So I'm sold on the benefits.

But let's be realistic. Owning and managing livestock can't be all sunshine and roses. What are some things people need to be prepared for before they go out and buy a herd of brush-clearing goats? Well, you're absolutely right. Goats are not robots. They require care. Yeah. And they definitely have their quirks.

Fencing is paramount. Remember that modern farmer quote about goats being like book hogs? Yeah. Well, those bush hogs can be pretty determined when it comes to finding tasty treats. So that four-foot-tall wire fencing recommendation, spot on. Okay. Electric fencing alone might not cut it.

We don't want a herd of goats roaming the neighborhood, munching on everybody's prize-winning roses. What else? Beyond fencing, there's general husbandry. They need fresh water, shelter from the elements, regular hoof trimming, health care, just like any other livestock. So it's a commitment, but a potentially very rewarding one.

Oh, absolutely. Now, one thing that really caught my eye was this idea of co-grazing. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation even suggests, pairing goats with cattle. What's the thinking behind that, combining different types of livestock? It's a brilliant strategy, really, because it utilizes the different grazing habits of various animals. You know how goats are those dedicated browsers, go for those woody plants. Well, cattle are primarily grazers focusing on grasses.

So you put them together and you get much more comprehensive land management, like a dynamic duo of natural landscaper. I love that, a dynamic duo. And it seems like there's add benefits beyond just clearing brush. You're right. Co-grazing can help produce internal parasite problems because the different species aren't sharing the same parasites as readily. And it can also provide economic diversification for ranchers. It sounds like a win-win situation. It really does.

Better land management, healthier ecosystems, and potentially even some economic advantages. But I do have to ask, are there any potential downsides to co-grazing? Like, could the different species clash or compete for resources? That's a great question and definitely a valid concern. You need to be mindful of potential conflicts and make sure you're providing enough space and resources for all the animals. For example, goats and cattle have different water requirements, so you might need separate watering systems. Ah, that makes sense. So it's not just as simple as tossing them all in a pasture together and hoping for the best.

Right, exactly. Planning and careful observation are key. You need to understand the specific needs of each species and adjust your measurements. management accordingly. But when done well, co-grazing can be an incredibly effective and sustainable approach to land management. Now, you mentioned economic diversification. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Source pointed out that goat meat is a hot commodity right now. Is that something ranchers are tapping into? Absolutely. The demand for goat meat, especially from specialty markets and ethnic cuisines, is growing rapidly. And remember, goats are efficient converters of

brows into proteins so they can thrive on land that might not be suitable for traditional cattle ranching. So it's like turning a problem overgrown brush into a profit-making opportunity. Exactly. And that brings us to a fascinating point that isn't explicitly mentioned in the sources, but built upon what we've learned. What if we shifted our thinking and started managing brush specifically for goat production? Oh, that's an interesting twist.

You mean, instead of viewing brush as something to get rid of, we could see it as a resource to be managed, almost like a renewable crop. Precisely. It's about seeing the potential in what others might consider a nuisance. In certain situations, managing brush for goat production could be a more sustainable and potentially profitable approach. Imagine carefully selecting browse species that goats thrive on, strategically clearing areas to promote new growth, and creating a system where the goats are essentially harvesting a valuable product from the land. That's a really cool concept. It aligns with that whole idea of goats being ecological warriors, but not Now they're also economic heroes. Right. And it ties into the idea of environmental stewardship. By carefully managing brush for goat production, we could promote biodiversity,

improve wildlife habitat, and even help prevent wildfires, all while generating economic returns. It's like a triple win. Good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for the goats themselves. But speaking of challenges, the Oklahoma research paper mentioned a social stigma associated with goats, especially among cattle ranchers. Why is that? It's a complex issue rooted in both cultural perceptions and historical practices. In some ranching communities, goats have been viewed as destructive, prone to escaping, and potentially damaging to rangeland if not managed properly. And to be fair, that reputation for being escape artists isn't entirely unfounded.

Yeah. We talked about the importance of good fencing. But is it fair to label an entire species based on a few mischievous individuals? Of course not. And I do think perceptions are evolving, especially as more people recognize the ecological and economic benefits of well-managed goat operations. Plus, the growing popularity of goat meat is helping to change the narrative. Goats are increasingly seen as valuable livestock, not just troublesome pests.

That's encouraging to hear. So it sounds like the key is responsible management and education. We need to dispel those outdated myths and show people the incredible potential that goats have. Absolutely. And it's important to remember that each situation is unique. There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to using goats for land management. But with careful planning, a solid understanding of goat behavior and husbandry and a willingness to adapt, goats can be an incredibly valuable asset.

Okay, so let's get down to the nitty-gritty. If someone is considering using goats for brush management, what are some practical things they need to know? Like what type of fencing works best? When it comes to fencing, woven wire fencing, at least four feet tall, is generally recommended. electric fencing can be used as an additional deterrent, but goats are clever and can sometimes find ways to get around it, especially if they're motivated by tasty treats on the other side. So it's worth investing in a good, sturdy fence to avoid any goat-related escapes. What about predator control? The modern farmer article mentioned that as a potential concern. Right. Predators can pose a serious threat to goats. Depending on your location, you might need to consider protective measures like livestock guardian dogs, electric fencing specifically designed to deter predators.

or even secure nighttime housing. Okay, so we've covered fencing and predator control. What about health issues? Are goats prone to any specific diseases? Like any livestock, goats are susceptible to certain diseases and parasites. Some common concerns include internal parasites, hoof problems, and respiratory infections. Regular veterinary care, vaccinations, and a good understanding of goat health management practices are essential for keeping your herd healthy and thriving.

That makes sense. It's not as simple as just buying a few goots and letting them loose. It's a responsibility and you need to be prepared to provide proper care. Now, earlier, you mentioned that gerts are adaptable and can handle various terrain. But are there any situations where goats might not be the best choice for brush management? That's an important consideration. You need to assess the specific characteristics of your land and the types of vegetation you're dealing with. For example, if you have a lot of thorny or poisonous plants that goats won't eat, they might not be the most effective solution.

Or if your property is very small and densely populated, managing a herd of goats might be impractical. It's all about matching the right tool to the job. And sometimes goats might not be the perfect fit. But it sounds like in many cases, they offer a truly unique and valuable approach to land management. Exactly. And that's why I'm so excited about the growing interest in goats. They represent a chance to reconnect with more traditional low-impact methods while addressing modern challenges. It's like they're reminding us that,

sometimes the simplest solutions can be the most effective. Now, before we wrap up our deep dive into the world of goats, I have one final question. We've talked a lot about the benefits of goats, but I want to make sure we're presenting a ballast view. Are there any potential downsides or challenges that we haven't discussed yet? You're right. It's important to acknowledge that goats aren't a magical solution for every land management problem. One of the biggest potential downsides is overgrazing. Okay. Just like any livestock, if not managed properly, goats can damage sensitive ecosystems.

systems. Oh. They might eat too much of certain plants, leading to soil erosion or even the loss of native species. So it's all about finding that sweet spot, right? The right number of goats for the right amount of time in the right location. Exactly. It requires careful observation and planning. You need to monitor the goat's impact on the vegetation and adjust your grazing strategies as needed. Sometimes that might mean rotating them between different pastures, supplementing their diet with hay or other feed, or even temporarily. removing them from an area to allow the vegetation to recover. So it sounds like it takes a bit of experience and a willingness to learn as you go. What about those unexpected challenges? Like what happens if a goat gets sick or injured? Well, that's where having a good relationship with a veterinarian who's familiar with goats comes in handy. Right. It's also important to have a basic understanding of goat health care and be prepared to handle minor injuries or illnesses yourself.

And of course, we can't forget about those escape artists. Oh, yeah. Even with the best fencing, there's always a chance that a determined goat might find a way out. So being prepared to track down a stray goat is all part of the deal. All right. So it's not always easy, but it sounds like the rewards can be significant. I have to say, I've learned so much about goats today. They're not just cute, fuzzy creatures.

They're intelligent, adaptable, and have this incredible potential to benefit both the environment and our lives. I completely agree. I think the growing interest in goats is a sign that people are looking for more sustained. and holistic approaches to land management. Goats offer a way to connect with nature, work with animals, and make a positive impact on the world around us. It's like they're reminding us that sometimes the simplest solutions can be the most effective. So as we wrap up this deep dive into the world of goats, what's the final thought-provoking question we leave our listener with today? Something to ponder as they continue to explore this topic.

Here's one to consider. If goats offer such a promising and sustainable approach to land management, what can we do to encourage wider adoption of these practices? How can we break down those cultural barriers, educate people about the benefits of goats, and support those who are already working with these amazing animals? Those are fantastic questions. It seems like our deep dive into the world of goats has just scratched the surface. There's so much more to discover and explore. Absolutely. And that's what makes learning so exciting.

It's a journey without a final destination. Just endless possibilities for growth and discovery. Well, on that note, we'll wrap up this episode of the Deep Dive. Huge thank you to you, our listener, for inspiring this fascinating exploration into the world of goats. We hope you found it insightful, informative, and maybe even a little inspiring. Until next time, keep diving deep.