Minnesota Uses Goats to Control Buckthorn and Restore Land

By Scout Nelson

Across Minnesota, goats are increasingly being used to help manage invasive plant species, particularly buckthorn, a fast-spreading shrub that can overwhelm native ecosystems. Supported by research from the University of Minnesota and on-the-ground efforts by organizations such as ScapeGoats Farms and Dakota County Parks, this approach is gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments. At Casperson Park in Lakeville, a herd of about 65 goats is helping control invasive vegetation while supporting ecosystem restoration.

Zane Bakken, operations manager at ScapeGoats Farms, oversees one of several businesses that rent goats to cities and landowners for vegetation management. He said many customers choose goats as an environmentally friendly alternative to herbicides, especially in areas near water or sensitive natural habitats.

Buckthorn is difficult to remove because it grows densely, can reach heights of 20 feet and spreads quickly across forests and parklands. While goats do not consume entire trees, they feed on the leaves, gradually weakening the plants and helping limit their spread. Goats also reduce the likelihood of buckthorn seed dispersal because most berries become nonviable after passing through their digestive systems.

Lakeville has used goats for nearly a decade to manage invasive species in city parks. Environmental Resource Specialist Ann Messerschmidt said the approach is popular with residents and helps improve access to natural areas by clearing dense vegetation.

Research has also supported the use of goats for invasive species management. Sara Nelson, a natural resources specialist at Dakota County Parks, participated in a University of Minnesota study examining goat grazing as a buckthorn control method. The study found that goats helped open heavily infested areas and reduce invasive growth over time without causing significant damage to native plants.

Although goats are not a complete solution for eliminating buckthorn, land managers say they are an effective and sustainable tool for restoring natural landscapes. Their use can help reduce dependence on chemical treatments while supporting healthier ecosystems.

Photo Credit: pexels-pavel-bondarenko