A goat’s hunger should not be underestimated. This lesson was learned by Natalie Feisthauer, who recently enlisted a team of 50 goats to feast on two acres of invasive buckthorn shrubs on her rural property in Hamilton. The goats’ efficiency was remarkable, clearing the buckthorn in just two days, a task that would have taken Feisthauer and her husband weeks, if not months, to do by hand.
Goats are increasingly being recognized as effective allies in the fight against invasive plant species across southern Ontario. Property owners and conservation authorities have been utilizing “eco-herds” to tackle not only buckthorn but also other problematic plants like phragmites, Manitoba maple, dog strangling vine, vetch, and Canada thistle.
Feisthauer and her husband have been battling buckthorn on their 10-acre property for about a decade, with the plant persistently spreading. Buckthorn poses a significant problem as it quickly forms dense thickets, alters soil composition, blocks sunlight, and inhibits the growth of native vegetation. Seeking a herbicide-free solution, the couple sought assistance from the Hamilton Conservation Authority to address the dense buckthorn thickets on their land.
Goats in the City, a goat rental company based in King City, Ontario, brought a trailer of goats to Feisthauer’s property for their first job in Hamilton. Ian Matthews, the company’s founder, expressed his delight in working with the goats, emphasizing how buckthorn is like a treat for them. The goats not only target the buckthorn but also protect important native plants like milkweed while disrupting the spread of buckthorn seeds through their digestive process.
Matthews, a goat enthusiast who grew up raising goats in Jamaica, decided to leverage nature’s own mechanisms to combat invasive species. By utilizing goats to graze on buckthorn, he aims to prevent the spread of seeds in a natural and environmentally friendly manner. His passion for goats led him to establish Goats in the City in 2021, where he now manages a herd of 126 goats, each with its unique personality.
In conclusion, the use of goats as natural weed control agents is gaining popularity for their efficiency and eco-friendly approach. Matthews’ dedication to his goat herd reflects a commitment to sustainable land management practices and a deep appreciation for these hardworking animals.