We use virtual electric fencing in the form of GPS collars in parallel with portable electric netting to create secure, temporary paddocks. This allows us to target specific "hot spots" of overgrowth while keeping the goats away from sensitive areas, ornamental plants, or neighboring properties. This fencing is highly effective and can even be deployed across difficult terrain, such as steep hillsides or rocky ground.

Goats are natural "browsers" and prefer leafy and woody plants, brush, and invasive species over grass, although they certainly do love to eat grass. Around Springfield, Eugene, and the rest of Lane County, they excel at eating many of the Willamette Valley’s most common invasive plants, including:

• Himalayan Blackberry

• Scotch Broom

• Poison Oak

• English Ivy

• English Holly

• English Hawthorn

• Canada Thistle

• Bull Thistle

• Willow and Alder Saplings

• Reed Canarygrass

• Bittersweet Nightshade

• Teasel

• Queen Anne’s Lace

• Rose

• Meadow Knapweed

• Japanese Knotweed

• Garlic Mustard

• General weeds and grasses

Not sure if goats will eat what’s growing on your property? Request a free goat grazing quote and we’ll take a look.

Goats are a great fit for:

• Steep or difficult terrain where machinery can’t safely go.

• Eco-friendly restoration. Goats naturally fertilize the soil and don’t burn fossil fuels.

• Clearing vegetation where herbicides aren’t wanted or can’t be used.

• Neighbors and owners who would rather watch animals work than listen to machinery.

Not sure goats are right for your site? Request a free goat grazing quote and we’ll give you an honest recommendation.

Yes. Willamette Valley summers keep getting drier, and overgrown blackberry, Scotch broom, and dry grass can carry fire right up to homes and outbuildings. Grazing in late spring or early summer knocks that fuel down before fire season peaks. It's a natural way for Springfield, Eugene, and Lane County property owners to open up the space around their buildings.

It depends on what's growing. For example: Himalayan blackberry has a propensity to regrow quickly during grow season by pulling energy from the root crown and refoliating. Many Lane County sites do best with an initial clearing followed by return grazing later in the season, which leads to permanent die back over a few seasons. We'll suggest a schedule when we look at your property.

We fence the goats around the overgrowth you want gone, so gardens, ornamentals, trees and the parts of your yard you want left alone stay off the menu. Goats don't leave ruts or compact soil the way heavy equipment can, which helps on soft Willamette Valley ground after winter rains. Show us any plants you want protected during your estimate and we'll fence around them.

Goats are often a great fit for streamside and wetland areas, where herbicides can be a problem. Much of Lane County has creeks, drainage ditches, and riverbanks choked with blackberry and ivy, and goats can work slopes and ground that equipment would tear up or be unable to traverse.

Not really. Goats are quiet workers, with no engines and no early-morning racket. Most neighbors barely notice them beyond the occasional bleat, and many stop by to watch. Goats grazing open vegetation don't create the strong barnyard smell people sometimes expect.

We are based in Springfield, Oregon, and primarily serve Eugene, Springfield, and the surrounding Lane County area. For larger or specialty jobs we will travel farther across Oregon.

Ready to talk about your property? Request a free goat grazing quote.

Every job is priced individually. Acreage, how thick the overgrowth is, slope, and site access all play a part. The best way to get a real number is a free goat grazing estimate: tell us about your Springfield, Eugene, or Lane County property online, call (541) 228-2939, or email tyler.hamlin@hamlinfarm.com.

Very little. Just point out your property lines, anything you want protected, and any plants you're unsure about. We bring the goats, set up the fencing, supply all their water, and check on the herd as needed, so there are no goat chores for you. To get started, request a free goat grazing estimate.