Ever thought a herd of goats could be your landscaping crew? It sounds bizarre, but it’s a real way to make money.
Picture this: your clients wake up to goats gobbling up their poison ivy and brambles. The goats think it’s a buffet. The homeowners think it’s eco-friendly magic. And you? You’re the genius goat boss getting paid while your four-legged “employees” snack all day.
I know it sounds bonkers, but I promise I’m not kidding (pun absolutely intended).
Using goats for yard work isn’t just quirky – it’s effective! These natural lawn mowers eat weeds and fertilize the soil as they go. They even bring smiles to the neighborhood as well: no gas, no noise, and plenty of fertilizer pellets left behind. Cities, airports, and even Google have hired goats to clear land the green way. They even once rented 200 goats for a week to cut their grass! It proved this niche is more than just a weird joke.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of goat rental, also known as “goatscaping”. You’ll learn how to get started with your own weed-eating herd. And you’ll see how to turn this unusual idea into a money-making venture. Grab some hay (for the goats) and a notepad (for you).
Let’s explore how you can “goat for it”. You’ll turn hungry goats into a profitable, laugh-filled hustle.
How To Get Started
Getting started with goatscaping means planning ahead (and maybe buying a sturdy pair of boots). First, check your local regulations about keeping livestock. Some towns treat goats like pets, others like farm animals. You don’t want to invest in goats only to have the city say “gnope”. If you’re good to go, it’s time to prepare the goats’ home base.
Begin with a small starter herd. Goats are herd animals and hate being lonely. One goat will get bored and possibly escape to find a friend. So plan on getting at least two goats. They’ll keep each other company and plot fewer escape attempts.
Choose hardy breeds known for munching through brush. Many goat rental businesses favor mixed-breed or meat-type goats that aren’t picky eaters.
Set up secure housing and fencing in your yard (or wherever you’ll keep them). Goats are infamous escape artists. If there’s a weakness in your fence, a goat will find it like Houdini. Build or buy a sturdy pen or small barn for them to sleep in. It will keep them safe from predators at night.
Invest in good fencing. Many goat herders use electric net fences. They’re portable, so you can set up a corral on each client’s property.
Learn the basics of goat care before your herd arrives. They need fresh water, hay or pasture to graze, and occasional grain or mineral supplements. Find a veterinarian who handles goats and get them vaccinated. Yes, even goats need doctor visits! Resources like a goat care for beginners guide can help. It’ll teach you about feeding, hoof trimming, and health issues to watch for.
You’ll also need some equipment to run your goat gig. A pickup truck or trailer is essential for transporting goats to job sites. Otherwise, you’d be walking them down the street like a bizarre parade. You’ll want portable fencing to set boundaries at each site. This keeps the goats focused on the client’s weeds, not the neighbor’s rose garden. Bring along water buckets, some feed, and basic tools like a shovel. Yes, you’ll need that for scooping goat poop – the glamorous part of the job.
Before taking on paying clients, do a test run. Offer your goats’ services to a friend first. You could also use your own overgrown yard as a practice zone. This trial run lets you gauge how long it takes your goats to clear an area. You’ll also learn how to handle any mischievous behavior. You’ll figure out how to load and unload the herd efficiently. It might feel a bit chaotic at first (goats don’t exactly follow instructions). But you’ll get the hang of managing your bleating workforce.
Don’t worry if you’re totally new to farming or goats. Plenty of people have started this niche with zero experience and learned as they went! The founder of Rent-A-Ruminant began with just a handful of goats and no clue. Now her herd clears brush for a living! With some preparation, you’ll be ready to launch your own goat rental venture. You’ll be turning overgrown lots into tidy landscapes – the natural way.
Your 10 Step Action Plan
Step 1: Research Your Market and Permissions
Every great business starts with homework, and your goat venture is no exception. First, make sure it’s legal to host your hungry herd. Check your city and county ordinances on keeping goats. Are you zoned for agricultural activity, or will your goats be considered pets? Many suburban areas allow small livestock with some rules (like permits or a limit on number of goats). If you’re unsure, call your local zoning office and ask. It’s better to know now than to pay fines later.
Also, scope out the need for goat grazing in your area. Do people nearby have overgrown yards, vacant lots, or invasive weeds needing removal? Are there already goat rental services operating (competition)? A little market research goes a long way.
You might post in community Facebook groups or Nextdoor asking if anyone would hire goats for brush clearing. Gauge the reactions (and enjoy the surprise responses).
Identify potential clients around you. Think about parks, golf courses, farms, or city agencies that manage land. Some cities hire goat herds to maintain public green spaces.
Maybe yours would too if you propose the idea. If you live in a rural area, ranchers might hire you to clear brush in hard-to-reach fields. In a city, neighbors might want a pesticide-free way to trim their back lots.
Lastly, consider your neighbors. Let them know about your plan to avoid any drama. People are less likely to complain when they expect a few “baa”s next door. Who knows, they might become customers once they see your goats in action! By doing this research and securing permission, you’re laying the groundwork for a smooth start.
Step 2: Create a Goat-Friendly Basecamp
You know goats are allowed and people want them. Now you need a home base for your caprine crew.
Think of this as Goat HQ. Ideally, you have a patch of land where the goats can live when they’re off duty. Set up a shelter or small barn to keep them dry and safe.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. A three-sided shed or even a big dog house can work in a pinch! Fill it with straw or bedding so your goats have a cozy spot to snooze.
Next, fencing. This is super important because goats are notorious escape artists. For example, they’ll squeeze through gaps and test every gate. You want to create a goat playground that they can’t jailbreak from.
Sturdy field fencing or woven wire at least 4 feet high is a great start. Check for any holes or loose spots. If a goat can fit its head through a hole, it’ll wiggle the rest out too! Many goat owners add an electric wire along the inside bottom and top of the fence. This really discourages climbing and sneaking under.
Make sure your basecamp has the basics. Provide a tub or trough for clean water, a hay feeding area, and some shade. Goats don’t like getting too hot. So a tree or tarp for shade is nice in summer.
You might also set up a little playground for them. Goats love to climb, so give them something like wooden spools, pallets, or ramps. This keeps them entertained and less likely to plot an escape out of boredom.
Consider predator protection as well if you live in an area with coyotes, dogs, or other predators. A well-fenced pen helps. But you might also lock the goats in their barn at night for extra safety; some goat rentals use guard animals like dogs or llamas to watch over the herd too.
The key is to make your Goat HQ secure and comfy. Happy goats at home will be healthy and ready to work when duty calls!
Step 3: Get Your Goats
Time to assemble your workforce – the goats themselves! Start by deciding how many goats you need to begin. For most newbies, two to five goats is a good starting herd. Remember, goats are social, so never get just one.
And where do you find them? You might buy young goats from a local farm or livestock auction. If you have a nearby goat rescue or someone rehoming goats, you could adopt (just ensure they’re healthy). Choose medium-sized, hardy breeds that are known for browsing (eating brush). Boer goats, Spanish goats, Kiko goats, or mixed breeds are often used because they have good appetites for weeds.
When picking out goats, look for lively, bright-eyed animals without obvious health issues. Avoid goats that seem very skinny, have persistent diarrhea, or look sickly. It’s worth having a vet check new goats or buy from a reputable breeder to start off on the right hoof.
You’ll also have to decide on males vs females (or neutered males called wethers). Wethers are often ideal for brush clearing – they’re calmer than intact males and you won’t have surprise babies as you might with females. They also tend to be cheaper. Intact male goats (bucks) can be smelly and aggressive during mating season, so wethers or does (females) might be easier for a beginner.
Plan how you will transport your new herd home. A pickup truck with a canopy, an SUV with a pet barrier, or a small livestock trailer all work. Bring along some hay for the ride and make sure the goats have enough ventilation. It might be a noisy drive (expect some loud complaining from the back). But once they’re home, they’ll settle in.
Introduce new goats to your basecamp slowly. Keep them confined to the pen initially so they learn where home is. Give them a few days to adjust, and spoil them with hay and treats so they associate you and their new home with good things. Soon enough, you’ll have a happy, hungry herd ready to munch weeds for cash!
Step 4: Gear Up with Goat Equipment
Running a goat grazing business isn’t just goats and grass – you’ll need some gear to keep things moving. Think of yourself as a goat roadie, setting up the stage for your hoofed performers. Key items on your checklist:
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Transport: You’ll need a way to get your goats to job sites. If you have just a couple goats, a large dog crate in a van or SUV might work for short trips. For more goats, a small livestock trailer or a pickup truck with a secure canopy is ideal. Make sure whatever you use has good airflow (no one likes a stuffy goat van) and is escape-proof. Goats are surprisingly good at slipping out of doors if given the chance!
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Fencing and Posts: At the client’s site, you’ll set up a temporary enclosure for the goats. Portable electric net fencing is a popular choice – it’s like a pop-up playpen that says “stay here, goats.” These fences come in rolls; you carry them out, stick the posts in the ground, and voila, instant goat corral. Battery-powered fence chargers will electrify the net and gently zap any goat that tests the boundaries (they learn quickly). If electric netting isn’t available, you can use regular portable fence panels or even ropes, but electric mesh is much more effective at containing the rascals.
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Tools and Supplies: Bring buckets for water and some containers for a bit of goat feed or treats (to lure them when you need to round them up). Have a basic first aid kit (for goats and humans – just in case). Carry work gloves, a shovel (for poop cleanup and any quick hole-filling in the fence line), and perhaps a rake. Some goat wranglers also carry spare fence posts or repair kits in case the fencing gets knocked down.
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Goat Gear: While goats don’t need leashes in the pen, it’s wise to have a few sturdy ropes or goat halters on hand. These help if you need to lead a goat or tie them briefly. Collars with ID tags for each goat can be useful too (imagine having to explain to a neighbor which goat is which if one ever wanders off – better to label your employees!).
Before your first job, do an inventory check. Practice setting up your fencing quickly; time yourself like a weird track-and-field event (“goat pen sprint”). Ensure your trailer or transport vehicle is in good shape and that you have all necessary tools loaded up. Being prepared with the right equipment means less stress when your goats are on the clock.
Step 5: Learn Goat Care 101
Your goats are not just weed-munching machines – they’re living creatures that need proper care. Taking good care of them keeps them healthy (and ready to work). Start by establishing a daily routine. You’ll feed your goats hay (or allow them to graze) and provide fresh water every day, even when they’re not out on a job. Check on them at least twice a day to make sure they’re okay (no escaped goats or illnesses).
Learn the basics of goat nutrition. Goats mainly eat hay, browse (weeds, brush), and some grain or pellets as a supplement if needed. Too much grain can make them sick (goats have sensitive tummies), so most of their diet should be forage. Make sure they always have clean water and a mineral salt lick available – goats need minerals like salt just like we need vitamins.
Hoof trimming is another task you’ll need to master. A goat’s hooves grow continuously and should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks. If you let them overgrow, the goats can get foot problems. It sounds daunting, but with a sharp hoof trimmer and a little practice, it’s like giving a goat a pedicure. There are plenty of tutorials (and funny videos) online showing how to trim goat hooves step by step for example.
Next, keep an eye out for common health issues. Learn to recognize signs of bloat (a swollen left side, an emergency for goats), parasites (weight loss, diarrhea, rough coat), or injuries. It’s wise to have a relationship with a local veterinarian who knows goats. They can guide you on vaccinations (like CD&T for tetanus and other diseases) and deworming schedules.
Also, ensure your goats are protected from extreme weather. Provide cozy bedding and a dry shelter in winter, and shade and plenty of water in summer heat. Happy, healthy goats will repay you with better brush-clearing performance – and fewer surprise vet bills. So spend time with your herd, know each goat’s normal behavior, and you’ll quickly become a confident goat herder and caretaker.
Step 6: Train Your Goats for the Job
You might be thinking, “Can you really train a goat?” Well, you won’t get them to sit or fetch, but you can definitely teach your goats some manners and routines that help on the job. The main “training” for grazing work is getting them used to coming when called (usually coming to a rattling bucket of treats) and staying within a fenced area.
Start by bonding with your goats. Spend time with them daily so they trust you. Use a specific call or a shake of a grain bucket to signal feeding time. Goats are smart – they’ll quickly learn that your special call means food or treats, and they’ll run toward you. This is super useful when you need to round them up after they’ve cleared an area.
Leash-train or halter-train a couple of lead goats. Not every goat needs to walk on a leash, but if you can get one or two accustomed to being led by a rope, the rest will often follow those leaders. Practice leading your goats around your property or yard. Reward them with a treat when they cooperate. It’s like walking a very stubborn dog; patience is key!
Also, expose your goats to different environments gradually. Before you send them out to a strange property, practice at home with small “obstacle courses.” For example, lead them through a gate, over a small log, or into a trailer – and reward them. This builds confidence.
When goats encounter new sights and sounds (like a loud lawnmower or barking dog), stay calm and reassuring. They will take cues from you.
Remember that goats naturally know how to eat plants – you won’t have to teach them that part! Your job is mostly to manage their behavior and keep them safe. With a bit of basic training, your goats will be easier to handle during projects. They’ll come when called, follow you (or a food bucket), and generally behave like the pros they are.
Step 7: Set Your Pricing and Services
Now let’s talk money. How will you charge clients for your goats’ hard work? There are a few ways to price goat grazing services, and you’ll want to choose a method that makes sense for your area and covers your costs (and time).
One common approach is charging based on the area or size of the job. For example, some goat rental companies charge by the acre or square footage. If a client has a half-acre lot of brush, you might have a rate per half-acre. Do a little spying on any competitors or lookup news articles for going rates. In some cases, goat grazing services cost around $400-$1,000 per acre cleared, depending on terrain and location.
Another way is to charge per day or per goat per day. For instance, “$X per goat per day, with a Y-day minimum.” This ensures you cover your transport and setup effort even for small jobs. Some goat herders simply estimate how many days the job will take and give a flat quote (like “$500 to clear this lot”). When starting out, flat quotes might be easiest – just be sure to pad your estimate a bit if you’re unsure, because goats can be unpredictable in how fast they eat.
Decide what services are included in your price. Does your fee include the setup of fencing and daily check-ins on the goats? (It should). Will you be hauling water to the site, or is there a water source? Clarify if the goats will be supervised or left on site (for insurance and peace of mind, you might stay with them or check often). Also, consider a clause for “extra work” – for example, if you finish the clearing early, will you also haul away any debris or just leave it? Typically the goats do the eating and leave the rest (poop and trampled weeds) as natural mulch.
Write up a basic contract or service agreement you can give to clients. It should outline the scope (e.g., “Graze goats on X property for 3 days to clear brush”), the fee, and any responsibilities the client has (like keeping their dogs away from the goats, or supplying water if needed). Having terms in writing protects both you and your customer and makes you look professional.
By setting clear prices and terms, you’ll avoid misunderstandings and ensure your goat business actually turns a profit. It might feel awkward to put a dollar value on goat grazing at first, but remember – you’re providing a valuable service (and saving your clients a lot of manual labor!). So price confidently, and be ready to explain how goats are worth every penny.
Step 8: Advertise and Find Your Clients
With goats acquired and a game plan in place, it’s time to get some customers. You won’t make a dime until people know about your amazing goat service. So, spread the word!
Start local and simple. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about your new venture – you might be surprised, someone down the street might have a jungle-like yard they’re dying to clear. Use social media to your advantage: post on community Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or local Reddit threads. Share pictures of your goats (cute goat photos work wonders) and explain the service (“eco-friendly weed removal using goats”). A before-and-after photo from a test project in your yard can really show what goats can do.
Print a few flyers or business cards and pin them on bulletin boards at local feed stores, garden centers, or community centers. Since your niche is unusual, local newspapers or TV stations might find it a fun story – don’t be shy about sending out a press release or contacting a local reporter. “Town resident rents out goats to eat weeds” makes for a great human-interest piece (free publicity!).
Also, list your business on any relevant online directories. We mentioned HireGoats.com which connects people with goat grazing services – get your name on there. If your region has a farm directory or a service like Craigslist, advertise there too. Make a simple website or even just a Facebook page for your business where you can direct interested folks for more info and photos.
Networking can help as well. Connect with local landscaping companies or tree trimming services – they sometimes get requests for brush clearing that goats could handle. Maybe you can form a partnership where they refer jobs to you when appropriate. Similarly, if there’s a local environmental group or park management, let them know your goats are available for hire to tackle invasive weeds naturally.
As you take on jobs, ask satisfied clients for testimonials or to spread the word. Word of mouth is powerful in a community. Soon enough, curious neighbors will stop by to see the goats in action, and you’ll be handing out business cards over the fence. With persistent advertising and some successful jobs under your belt, the clients will start to roll in.
Step 9: Launch Your First Goat-Powered Project
This is it – your goats’ big debut! When you land your first job, it’s normal to be excited and a bit nervous. To make it go smoothly, plan it out step by step.
Before the goats arrive on site, visit the property (if possible) and scope it out. Identify any plants that are poisonous to goats (common ones include azaleas, rhododendrons, oleander, some lawn weeds) – you’ll need to remove or fence off those. Also, note any hazards: broken fences, holes in the ground, trash or wires that goats could get into. Talk with the client about what area exactly needs clearing and where you can set up the goat pen.
On the scheduled day, load up your goats and gear and head to the site. It’s showtime! Set up the fencing to enclose the target area. Double-check it’s secure – walk the perimeter to ensure no gaps. Unload your goats into their new “workplace” and make sure they’ve got water and perhaps a little hay (they’ll mostly ignore hay once they see yummy weeds, but it’s good to have just in case).
Stay for a while to observe the goats and ensure they’re settling in and immediately eating the right stuff. You’ll likely attract attention – neighbors or passersby might stop to watch or ask questions (hey, free marketing!). Keep an eye that the goats are safe and not trying to test the fence too much on day one.
Throughout the project, check on the goats regularly. If it’s a small site and short project (a day or two), you might stay on-site or nearby. For multi-day jobs, you’ll visit at least daily to refill water, feed a bit, and make sure all is well. Count your goats each time (just to be sure no one went on an adventure). Clean up any trash or dangerous items the goats knock over.
When the goats have done their job and the brush is cleared to the client’s satisfaction, it’s time to pack up. Load your goats back into the trailer or vehicle – the treat bucket and your trained call will be handy to round them up. Take down the fencing and make sure you leave the site as agreed (you might rake up goat droppings or left-over hay, or the client might be fine with it being natural fertilizer).
Finally, thank your client and perhaps snap some photos of the freshly cleared area (and the happy goats). You can use these for your portfolio or social media. Congrats – you’ve completed a goat-powered project! Learn from any hiccups and refine your process for the next job. Soon, wrangling goats on a work site will feel like second nature.
Step 10: Grow and Scale Your Goat Business
You’ve done a successful job or two – now think about the future. How can you scale up your operation (if you want to)? Growing your goat business can mean taking on more or bigger projects, getting more goats, or finding new revenue streams related to your niche.
If you find demand is high and your few goats are booked solid, consider expanding your herd. More goats means you can tackle larger areas or multiple jobs at once. But remember, more goats also mean more care and feeding. Expand gradually – maybe add a few more goats and see how it affects your workload and expenses.
You might also invest in better infrastructure as you grow. Perhaps a larger trailer to transport a bigger herd, or additional electric fencing so you can split your goats into two crews for separate jobs. As you gain experience, you’ll become more efficient – – you might figure out a system to set up fencing faster, or a schedule that lets you manage two sites in one day.
Diversifying your services is another way to grow. Maybe you can offer goat manure compost to gardeners as a byproduct. Or rent out goats for fun events (yes, “goat yoga” is a trend – people pay to do yoga in a field of friendly goats!). Some entrepreneurs with goat businesses also offer educational petting zoos at schools or fairs for extra income. While your core is brush clearing, these side gigs can bring in extra cash especially in off-season times.
As your reputation grows, you could even consider hiring help. You might train an assistant goat handler to manage a second herd or to watch the goats if you need a break. If you get more requests than you can handle, think about franchising or partnering – perhaps someone in the next county wants to use your brand and knowledge to start another branch (a model used by Rent-A-Ruminant). That way, you earn a slice of profits without having to manage every single goat yourself.
Growing doesn’t have to mean becoming a massive company (unless that’s your dream). It can simply mean optimizing what you do so it’s more profitable and sustainable. Maybe you figure out how to reduce costs (free grazing on a neighbor’s land in exchange for a discount on their job, for example). Or you raise your prices as you become the go-to “goat guy/gal” in town.
In the end, scaling up should be done at your comfort level. Even if you stay small with a handful of goats, you can run a nice side business. If you choose to grow, do it thoughtfully – keep your goats happy and healthy through it all. A well-run, possibly larger operation could even become your full-time gig. Who knows, you might end up owning a local goat empire! At that point, you’ll truly be the GOAT of this goat niche (Greatest Of All Time).
How to Make Money in This Niche
1. Offer Brush-Clearing Services (Core Service)
The most straightforward way to make money in this niche is by doing exactly what we’ve been talking about: renting out your goats to clear brush and weeds. This is your core service. You charge homeowners, landowners, or even city governments a fee to have your goats munch away unwanted vegetation.
To maximize earnings, target clients who have a real need. Overgrown yards in suburban neighborhoods, rural properties with invasive weeds, orchards or vineyards that want natural weed control, solar farms that need vegetation management under panels – these are all prime opportunities. The more jobs you book, the more income you generate.
Market your brush-clearing service as an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to human labor or chemicals. Many customers are willing to pay not just for the result (cleared land) but for the experience of having goats on-site (it’s often a neighborhood attraction!). You can even schedule multiple jobs in a row, moving your herd from one site to the next, to keep the income steady during the growing season.
As discussed in the action plan, make sure you price your service correctly – calculate your costs (feed, transport, your time) and add a profit margin. With a solid pricing strategy and a steady stream of clients, your goats will be earning their keep and then some. Each successful clearing job puts money in your pocket and often leads to referrals (neighbors see goats, neighbors hire goats). Brush-clearing is the bread-and-butter money maker of this niche.
2. Host Goat-Powered Events (Goat Yoga & More)
Your goats can do more than just eat weeds – they can also bring in cash through unique experiences. One popular trend is goat yoga. Yep, it’s a thing: people pay to do yoga while adorable goats wander around (and occasionally hop on someone’s back). If you have gentle, friendly goats, you can partner with a local yoga instructor and host goat yoga sessions on weekends. Charge participants a fee (and perhaps sell goat-themed merchandise or snacks).
Beyond yoga, consider other events. Petting zoos or “meet the goats” sessions can be a hit at schools, birthday parties, or county fairs. You could set up a small pen and allow kids (and adults) to interact with and feed the goats for an hourly fee. Your goats basically become furry entertainers.
Additionally, some farm or agritourism venues might invite you and your goats for special festivals – think fall harvest events or Earth Day celebrations where goats demonstrate eco-friendly weed clearing. You could be paid a flat rate for attending with your herd.
These event-based services can supplement your income, especially in times when brush-clearing is slow (like winter or mid-summer when plants aren’t growing much). Just ensure your goats are comfortable with people and chaos – not every goat is cut out for yoga class cameo appearances! Also, factor in extra time for setup, cleanup, and animal safety. But if done well, goat events can be a lucrative (and fun) side hustle within your niche. People will pay for the joy of hanging out with your work crew.
3. Sell Goat By-Products (Fertilizer or More)
Goats eat plants and… well, eventually produce poop. It may not sound glamorous, but goat manure is a pretty good fertilizer. If you’re running a goat grazing business, you’ll have a supply of droppings that can be composted and sold or given to gardeners. “Goat gold,” some might call it. You could compost the manure (mix it with straw bedding from your goat shelter) and bag it up as organic fertilizer to sell at local farmers’ markets or to neighbors with gardens. It’s a small revenue stream, but it makes use of a free by-product of your operation.
If you keep female goats (does), you might also venture into dairy products in the long term. This niche is primarily about grazing, so you may not be milking goats – but some goat renters do milk their does once the day’s grazing is done. Fresh goat milk, handmade goat cheese, or goat milk soap can be sold for profit. However, be aware that dairy work is a whole other commitment (daily milking, health regulations for selling milk, etc.). It’s an option if you want to broaden your business, but not necessary for success in goatscaping.
Another by-product: baby goats! If your herd breeds and you end up with cute goat kids, those can be sold as pets or to other farmers. Be responsible with breeding – only do it if you have a plan for the offspring. But a managed breeding program could periodically bring in income from selling young goats to good homes.
These by-product avenues aren’t the main earner like grazing jobs, but they can provide a nice bonus income. Plus, selling fertilizer or the occasional goat kid also connects you with the community and other customers in different ways. It’s all about leveraging everything your goats give you (yes, even their poop) into value.
4. Create Goat Content and Merchandise
Believe it or not, your goats themselves can become mini-celebrities that boost your income. In the age of social media, “goat content” can attract a lot of attention. You could start a YouTube channel or Instagram page featuring your goats’ adventures – from funny moments on the job to educational snippets about grazing and farming. As your following grows, you might earn money from ad revenue on YouTube or become an influencer (companies might send you free goat feed to review, for example).
You can also monetize through merchandise. If you have a catchy business name or a goat with a big personality, put it on a T-shirt or mug. Sell these at events or online. People love goats, and they might buy a “Goatscaping Co.” hat or a mug with a cartoon of your lead goat chewing on weeds. It’s a way to earn a little extra and promote your brand at the same time.
Another angle is setting up a Patreon or “adopt-a-goat” program for fans. Perhaps local schoolkids or distant goat enthusiasts “sponsor” one of your goats for a small monthly fee, and in return they get photos and updates from that goat. It’s a creative way to involve the community and get a steady trickle of funds.
Don’t expect content and merch to replace your core income, but it can become a rewarding sideline. Plus, it increases your visibility. A viral video of your goats clearing a backyard could bring in a rush of new customers. And every T-shirt worn by a friend of a friend is free advertising. So get creative – let your goats’ charm work for you beyond the field.
5. Expand Through Partnerships or Franchising
Once you’ve established a successful operation, you can explore ways to expand beyond what you personally can do. One method is partnering with other land management or landscaping businesses. For example, a traditional landscaping company might not have goats, but if they get a client interested in goat grazing, they could subcontract the work to you (and you share the revenue). Building a network of partnerships can funnel more jobs your way without you having to chase each lead.
Franchising or replicating your business model is another potential money-maker. If your “Goat Grazing LLC” becomes known in your region, you might package up your knowledge and brand and offer it to others in other areas for a fee. Rent-A-Ruminant (a real goat rental business) expanded by creating franchises in multiple states. You could do something similar on a smaller scale: help a person in the next county start a goat grazing branch under your name, and you earn a franchise fee or a percentage of their sales.
Additionally, consider offering consulting or workshops. Newcomers interested in starting their own goat landscaping business might pay for your expertise. You could host a weekend training camp on “How to Start a Goat Grazing Business” and charge admission. Or write an e-book/guide that you sell online with all your tips and lessons learned. After all, once you’re an expert, teaching others can become a revenue stream of its own.
These expansion methods leverage the success and reputation you’ve built. They can bring in significant money, but they also require effort in mentoring or managing partnerships. It’s not for everyone – some people are happy to stay small. But if you’re entrepreneurial and want to maximize earnings from this niche, partnerships, franchising, or consulting can turn your local goat gig into a broader enterprise. It’s like multiplying your goats without having to feed all of them yourself!
In closing, goat rentals can truly become a lucrative business! It’s great for the, and I quote, “goat-getters.” 🙂 Enjoy!
