Homesteading Middles: All Hail Green Goats!

Two years ago we cut down trees to have a view of the Hudson Valley for our Tentrr site. As I mentioned recently, nature is all about growth.

Faced with a steep rocky hill we called in the local goat grazing team - not realizing that they are the goat grazing team for the entire East Coast. Green Goats Rhinebeck is family operation that has been doing good work for 17 years.

“I’m sorry, I can’t come see you today, I am in Virginia/Pennsylvania/New Jersey at a National Park/Historic Estate/City Park. Are you free tomorrow?”

“Sure, that sounds great. Perhaps you can send me a copy of your contract and I could go over it?”

“Honey, I am too busy to do that. You tell me if you want us, and then I will send you the contract.”

So I did.

A few days later they showed up to the site with cattle panels, fence posts, and strong backs. The next day the goats arrived: Lulu, lemon, Turbo, and Clementine? As “goats that get to eat for a living”, I was curious to see what would happen.

Denuded leaves, stripped branches, and glorious clearing ensued. What would have taken me hours in uncomfortable and strenuous labor is accomplished effortlessly and naturally - simply by goats following their nature. Goats being goats. Like my clearing the land with blades and clipping is the Platonic shadow of the real deal.

After a small stint with us, they returned to their warm barn to settle in for the winter. Once the new leaves have pushed forward in the spring - they will return. To once again strip away the fuel generators of the plants (leaves, etc) and deprive the roots of energy.

Eating away small trees and adding their good energy to the land.

All Hail Green Goats!