B.WEE.0001 - Weed Control Using Goats

Summary

The purpose of this project was to update the MLA Weed control using goats guide and to develop additional short case studies of producers who have effectively used goats as part of a weed control program.

Objectives

The aims of this project were to:

1. Update the 2007 'Weed control using goats' manual.
2. Source high resolution images for the manual and ongoing use.
3. To create two producer case studies showcasing the effective use of goats as part of an integrated weed control program.

Key findings

Weeds in pasture greatly reduce the short- and long-term profitability of the pasture. Using goats to control weeds cannot only result in the production of high-quality goatmeat and potentially fibre and milk, but also assist traditional weed control methods by providing efficient, sustainable pasture management when conducted according to best practice.
Goats help control weeds by:
• preferentially grazing the weed and so placing it at a disadvantage
• preventing the weed from flowering and dispersing seed
• ringbarking or structurally weakening undesirable shrub species.

Benefits to industry

The integration of goats on a farm can have ecological and economic advantages provided sound management practices are adopted.

Future research

This project has provided some useful case study examples of the effective use of goats in an integrated weed control program. Further opportunities include broader demonstration of the use of goats for weed control and further quantification of the benefit of using goats as part of a weed control program, particularly where this is supported by subsequent pasture improvement activities.