Fire Mitigation / Weed Control

Q: How does targeted grazing help with fire prevention?
A: Grazing removes and reduces dry vegetation and invasive weeds that serve as wildfire fuel. By reducing fuel loads in a targeted, sustainable way, we help lower fire risk across wildlands, vineyards, and residential properties.

Q: What kind of vegetation do your animals eat?
A: Our goats and sheep eat a wide variety of grasses, broadleaf weeds, shrubs, and invasive species like thistles, mustard, poison oak, and more. The benefits of having a mixed flock is that each species eats different things in different areas creating a wider range of fuel reduction.

Q: Is grazing more effective than mowing or herbicides?
A: Yes, grazing can be more efficient and environmentally friendly. Animals access steep, hard-to-reach areas, target specific plant types, and naturally fertilize as they graze—without machinery or chemicals.

Ecological Benefits of Grazing

Q: How does targeted grazing improve soil health?

A: Grazing animals help cycle nutrients back into the soil through manure, which acts as a natural fertilizer. Their hooves also gently disturb the soil surface, promoting seed-to-soil contact and water infiltration. When properly managed, grazing can stimulate positive growth with can lead to an overall uptake of nitrogen and carbon into the soil. 

Q: Can grazing help restore native plant communities?

A: Yes. Targeted grazing can suppress invasive species that outcompete native plants. By reducing competition and removing dense thatch layers, grazing makes space and light available for native vegetation to reestablish and thrive.

Q: Is grazing considered a regenerative land management practice?

A: Absolutely. Regenerative grazing mimics natural herbivore movement, encouraging diverse plant growth, improving water retention, enhancing soil carbon storage, and supporting a more balanced ecosystem over time.

Q: How does grazing impact biodiversity?

A: Grazing creates a mosaic of plant heights and structures, which benefits a wide variety of wildlife — including birds, pollinators, and small mammals. Properly timed and rotated grazing avoids overgrazing and fosters habitat diversity.

Q: Can grazing reduce the need for herbicides or mechanical treatment?

A: Yes. Grazing offers a low-impact, chemical-free alternative to weed control. It can replace or reduce the use of mowers, chainsaws, and herbicides, which can be expensive, labor-intensive, or ecologically damaging.

Q: What role does grazing play in carbon sequestration?

A: Healthy grasslands store carbon in their root systems and soils. Grazing—when managed appropriately—stimulates plant regrowth and root development, which can enhance the land’s ability to capture and store carbon from the atmosphere.

Q: Is targeted grazing safe for sensitive ecosystems?

A: Yes—when applied thoughtfully. We plan each project based on plant communities, slope, erosion risk, and timing to avoid damage and protect ecological integrity. Grazing can even support habitat recovery when integrated with broader restoration goals.

Q: Does grazing increase or decrease erosion?

A: In well-managed systems, grazing decreases erosion by maintaining continuous plant cover and enhancing water absorption. However, overgrazing or poor timing can expose soil—so we tailor each grazing plan to protect soil stability.

Q: How is grazing better than burning for land management?

A: Grazing reduces fuel loads without the risks of smoke, air pollution, or fire escape. While prescribed burning has its place, grazing offers a lower-risk, repeatable solution, especially in the wildland-urban interface.

🐐 Animals & Grazing Operations

Q: What animals do you use for grazing?
A: We primarily use goats and sheep for targeted grazing. Each species has its own grazing behavior, and we tailor the mix based on vegetation, terrain, and project goals.

Q: Are the animals supervised during grazing?
A: Yes. Our grazing herds are closely monitored, with electric fencing, guardian dogs, and daily human oversight to ensure safety and efficiency.

Q: Do you provide water and fencing for the animals?
A: Yes, we supply portable fencing and water systems as part of our service. We manage all logistics so you don’t have to.

Project Logistics & Services

Q: What areas do you serve?
A: We primarily serve San Luis Obispo County and surrounding areas, including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Morro Bay, and the Central Coast.

Q: How much does targeted grazing cost?
A: Pricing depends on acreage, vegetation type, terrain, and access. We offer free site evaluations to provide a customized quote.

Q: What types of properties do you work with?
A: We work with residential lots, vineyards, ranches, open space preserves, HOAs, municipalities, and fire-safe councils.

Q: When is the best time of year for grazing?
A: Grazing in each season has different benefits and goals; Spring and early summer are ideal for controlling fast-growing vegetation and flashy fuels. Late summer and fall are great for controlling invasive weeds and continued fire fuels suppression.  Winter is our vineyard season targeting cover crop and soil enhancement. We operate year-round depending on weather and plant growth cycles.

Ecological Impact & Sustainability

Q: Is targeted grazing environmentally friendly?
A: Absolutely. Grazing reduces the need for chemicals or heavy machinery, improves soil health, promotes native plant regrowth, and supports regenerative land management.

Q: Will grazing damage the land or native plants?
A: It can when improperly managed — however, when done properly, grazing mimics natural herbivore patterns and can stimulate biodiversity. We design each project with ecological sensitivity in mind.

Booking & Contact

Q: How do I request a grazing service or evaluation?
A: You can contact us here to schedule a free site visit and consultation. We’ll assess your land and recommend a grazing plan that meets your needs.

Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: Spring and early summer are our busiest times, so we recommend reaching out at least 2–3 months in advance.