MCCORMICK LIVESTOCK ~ Goat Grazing Services

CLEARING UNWANTED VEGETATION IS YOUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST
THE MANY WILDFIRES WE HAVE IN CALIFORNIA EACH YEAR.

Does grazing cause erosion problems?
If the animals remain for too long in one area, yes, this can be a problem. Our goal is to work with land managers to achieve an appropriate level of vegetation removal to reduce fire danger or a targeted species without causing unnecessary erosion.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Is there an optimal time of year for grazing?
This depends on what is desired by the land manager. For mitigation of a specific plant you may want the goats to graze prior to seed set of that particular plant. For fuel mitigation, timing may be based upon historical fire records for that area.

How are goats contained on a project?
We use state of the art electrical netting on job sites and on our ranch. The goats are placed in grazing cells. The goats are trained to stay within the confines of the grazing cell. The integrity of the grazing cell fence is monitored daily.

How are goats protected on projects?
Predator control dogs stay with the goats in the grazing cells 24/7. We use Great Pyrenees, Akbash, and Anatolian cross predator control dogs.

Right side of fencing was grazed by goats.

The crew at work!

How are the animals cared for on a project?
The health and welfare of the goats and dogs are monitored daily. The dogs are fed daily. While on a job the goats are provided mineral, protein and salt supplements. Fresh water is always available.

How much does it cost to have a project grazed?
The fee charged depends on many different variables including size of the project, the amount of vegetation to be grazed, topography, the number of times a grazing cell will have to be moved, project accessibility and project location. Each project is priced individually.

The cost of the project includes goat rental, dog rental, transportation, daily site monitoring, supplements and healthcare for the goats and dogs, fencing and insurance.