Agren Projects

Goat Browsing to Control Woody Vegetation

The Challenge:

Grazing creates a balance of native grass species, while naturally monitoring the invasion of certain woody and weedy plants. By eliminating grazing in the Loess Hills, much of the biodiversity of the area has been lost. Steps need to be taken to reintroduce grazing to the area, which will help to restore the area to its original diversity and balance.

Agren's Solution:

In February 2005, Agren was awarded a USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant in the area of Rural and Community Development. After consulting with local landowners, we developed a goat-browsing enterprise in the Loess Hills with the goal of promoting pasture renovation and creating direct economic return from the sale of chevon (goat meat).

We were responsible for the actual purchase and monitoring of a goat herd, including a rental agreement with the pasture owner, paddocks and fencing, collecting forage samples, and monitoring browsing patterns.

In addition to goat monitoring, we conducted extensive secondary research and first-hand surveys of persons associated with the chevon market in western Iowa. Numerous listening sessions and personal interviews were conducted to understand the existing chevon market and potential for sales of more goat meat.

Our staff organized and facilitated meetings of an advisory committee that weighed barriers and benefits of goat browsing in the Loess Hills and set up a cost-to-benefit ratio for goat browsing.