Enterprise Considerations

The targeted application of livestock grazing and browsing holds great potential for accomplishing landscape enhancement. The targeted grazing service provider faces two major challenges in this endeavor: meeting landscape goals and simultaneously running a successful business. Both are essential and require expert knowledge and skill to accomplish. On the one hand, knowledge of vegetation, soils, and animals is required to accomplish the prescribed landscape enhancement goals such as managing weeds and reducing the risk of fire. On the other hand, business savvy and careful financial planning are required to stay in business and continue offering landscape services.

Healthy animals are an asset to any land enhancement endeavor. The priority for the service provider is animal welfare and issues related to the health and wellbeing of livestock. That includes a health maintenance program, a current internal parasite assessment, and the assurance that no known transmissible diseases are present. Another priority is to estabilish each animal’s body condition before the project begins and to monitor it regularly throughout the project. If the score falls below an established mark, individuals should be removed from the group or, if necessary, supplemented separately with a high quality forage or ration.

Fencing and herding, or a combination, are the two practices most commonly used to handle livestock for vegetation management. Portable solar-powered polywire electric fencing allows mobility, flexibility, and time confinement on target vegetation. Various types of electric fencing are available; the choice is up to the provider and depends on the specific goal of the landowner.

Water is critical to any project. Sheep can consume up to 2.5 gallons of water a day and goats up to 1.5 gallons when it is hot and dry or the vegetation is decadent and stemmy. Fresh, potable water should be available at all times in easily accessible troughs.

In a business venture involving livestock, the amount of equipment needed can be extensive and the upkeep expensive. The targeted grazing service provider typically will need a living facility for herders, water tankers, water troughs and hoses, ATV and wagon, dog kennels and feeders, portable fencing and related materials, portable shelters for inclement weather, mineral/supplement feeders, an array of small hand tools, and tools for machine and engine repair. Transportation will be needed for the livestock, dogs, employees, and gear. Livestock trailers, portable corrals, and loading facilities are also essential.

Effective livestock guardians are of utmost value when working in an extensive, isolated, or predatorinfested habitat. In some areas, the most dangerous predators are domestic dogs that have joined as a pack to kill for the thrill. Guardian species and breed will depend on the class of livestock to be protected, topography, type of predator (nocturnal or diurnal), and setting (rural or urban).

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