These are some examples of types of targeted grazing projects. Every project is unique and we are not confined to working in the parameters of the examples below. Use them as a tool to imagine targeted grazing on your property. We use electric netted fence to keep the animals in designated areas so that we can perform high density, short duration grazing and adapt to each projects size & scale.

We bring it ALL, the fencing, the livestock the corrals to load & unload, water troughs, hoses, water tanks, herding dogs, livestock guardian dogs (if needed). You may be asked to help provide water if we aren’t already able to coordinate that ourselves.

Common Types of Projects

  • Vineyards

    January-early March typically, and ONLY sheep. We use a pure sheep herd to work in vineyards in order to avoid damage to the vines. Work is done during the dormant period before bud break in the early spring.

  • Brush, Broom, Poison Oak & Trees (ladder fuels)

    A project with heavy brush including; french broom, scotch broom, coyote brush, low trees, and poison oak, is ideal for a Goat Herd. As natural browsers, they are excellent at reducing the fuel ladder. They also eat and often thrive on various species of thistles including yellow star thistle and italian thistle.

  • Grasses

    Grasses can be a great opportunity for Sheep. As natural grazers, they thrive in these environments and can be a great tool at reducing fuel loads, while also helping to mitigate invasive species. Species such as yellow star thistle can be an excellent option for sheep & goats.

  • Urban Spaces

    Working in proximity to homes, cities, roadways, or schools is something we have much experience with and are careful to design our projects to respect those boundaries.

  • Mixed Herds (Sheep & Goats)

    At times it is best to use a mixed species herd of both Sheep & Goats in order to best achieve clients goals. They are able to manage projects with a good mix of both grasses and brush vegetation. Each species is able to target its preferred vegetation in a timely matter.

  • Sensitive Species/Invasive Species

    In some instances, the project goal is not only fire prevention grazing, but targeted grazing for vegetation management. We work to target these projects during the time of year when invasive species are most sensitive to grazing. We also work with some clients to help stimulate native species growth. In some instances we work to protect native animal species as well such as bird nesting areas, frog, snake and salamander habitats, to name a few.

  • Orchard Cover Crop & Crop Residue

    We work with farmers to graze cover crop in between orchard rows & other plantings. We also feed off crop residue after a crop has been harvested, but there is still vegetation remaining.

Grazing Styles

Entire Parcel

  • Full Graze of the entire property. Work within limits of property boundaries & environmental limits (steep canyons, waterways, fencing limitations etc.)

Perimeter (100-300 Feet)

  • Create a wildfire fuels break around property boundary or buildings. Typically 100’-300’ wide.

High Risk/Priority Areas

  • Prioritize most high risk zones. Along roadways (to allow for road access in case of emergency), dense brush thickets, along property boundaries. Creating defensible space around homes or other buildings on property.

These are some examples of how a project map can be developed. All final project designs are limited by what is possible with the topography & vegetation on the ground.