Rent A Goat

Boer Goat

Rent A Goat was founded in 2010 by 22-year-old entrepreneur Matthew Richmond, from Chapel Hill, North Carolina [1]

Domestic Goat Kid in Capeweed

RentAGoat is part of a larger phenomenon called conservation grazing or targeted grazing whereby goats are used instead of traditional machinery or pesticides in order to curb unwanted invasive plant growth.[2]

Goats being used in a residential backyard for English ivy

History

California has reportedly used goats to reduce the occurrence of wildfire. In 2013 RentAGoat was listed as Entrepreneur Magazines "Top 100 Brilliant Companies".[3]

Constraints

RentAGoat has not yet proven its viability in the landscaping market. Citing difficulties including fencing, water, and a place for the animals when not being used for vegetation management.[4] Both research and extension activities are needed to develop and transfer the technology for improving the effectiveness and profitability of goats for vegetation management.[5] While goats are relatively inexpensive and require only what they eat as fuel. Companies may only provide as many as 30 at a time on their own or through farm subcontractors.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Bounds, Gwendolyn. "Free-Range Landscaping Rent-a-goat.com and Others Bring in Herds to Trim the Yard, Get Rid of Weeds". Wall Street Journal.
  2. ↑ "The 5 Strangest (and Best) Lawn and Garden Care Tactics You Can Buy". The Street.
  3. ↑ Entrepreneur Magazine http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/226697. Retrieved 18 October 2013. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ↑ Hart, S.P. (2001). "Recent Perspectives in Using Goats for Vegetation Management in the USA" (PDF). J. Dairy Sci. 84 (E170-E176): E170–E176. doi:10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(01)70212-3. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  5. ↑ Hart, S.P. (2001). "Recent Perspectives in Using Goats for Vegetation Management in the USA" (PDF). J. Dairy Sci. 84 (E170-E176): E170–E176. doi:10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(01)70212-3. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  6. ↑ "The 5 Strangest (and Best) Lawn and Garden Care Tactics You Can Buy". The Street.
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