Webinar series on using goats to control invasive plants

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota State University Extension and University of Minnesota Extension have teamed up with the Sustainable Farming Association to offer a webinar aimed at teaching producers about the benefits of using goat browsing for controlling buckthorn. The event is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CDT on May 30.

Sabrina Florentino, an alternative livestock systems educator for UMN Extension, explains the growing interest in this method: “Utilizing small ruminants, particularly goats, as a means for invasive plant species control is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, chemical and mechanical methods.”

The webinar will feature a panel of experts who will share their research and practical experiences. The speakers include Sara Nelson from Dakota County Parks, Tiffany Wolf from the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine, and Mike Schuster from the University of Minnesota's Department of Forest Resources.

Tiffany Wolf describes the ecological benefits of using goats: “The use of goats in the control of invasive buckthorn is appealing as a restoration strategy. It allows land managers to avoid or reduce herbicide use, implement control on steep slopes unsuitable for mechanical equipment, and treat large areas where implementing control methods by hand is not feasible.”

Following the removal of buckthorn, Mike Schuster suggests a proactive approach to ensure its non-return: “Establishing dense covers of native plants to fill the void left by removed buckthorn.”

For those interested in attending the webinar, pre-registration is required and can be completed at ndsu.ag/buckthorn. Attendees will receive a Zoom link via email upon registration, and a recording of the session will be available for those unable to join live.

Brenda Miller, a UMN Extension livestock educator, invites all interested parties: “Join us for a webinar to showcase the University of Minnesota research on goat browsing and buckthorn control.” This webinar offers a practical and sustainable solution to manage invasive species while enhancing biodiversity.

Photo Credit -pexels-pavel-bondarenko