On September 9, a herd of 44 goats was discovered grazing in the parking lot of Minden Medical Center (MMC), surprising patients and staff. The goats had escaped from a nearby property owned by Sara McDaniel, proprietor of Simply Southern Cottage, where they had been hired for “goatscaping.”
The animals, supplied by Northwest Louisiana Goatscaping, had been clearing brush at McDaniel’s Fuller-White House property on Union Street when they wandered off to do a little pro bono work at MMC. McDaniel was alerted to the situation after police were called to investigate.
“Honestly, I was afraid they were going to take me straight to jail, but they were very kind and considerate and helped me corral the goats,” said McDaniel.
By the time Lane Coleman, the owner of Northwest Louisiana Goatscaping, could arrive, the goats were safely herded back into their enclosure. “They said it was easy as could be, and they had a good time doing it,” Coleman said of the police officers and medical staff who helped round up the goats.
Coleman uses a portable electric fence to keep the goats in the designated area, and the herd likes to stay together, so just one goat getting out is usually not a problem. “Where one of them goes, the rest of them go. So if one gets out, it won’t leave; it’ll just stay on the other side of the fence.” Apparently, on Monday, they all decided to tour Minden.
Goatscaping is a new business for Coleman, although he’s been raising goats for around 15 years. He first got the idea after using a small herd to clear an overgrown arena. “In about three days, the brush was gone, just down to dirt,” he said.
The Spanish goats, which Lane primarily uses, are known for their ability to clear difficult terrain. The goats can eat most plants found locally, including poison ivy. Once the goats have eaten all the leafy parts, the humans come back through and cut the tough vine stems. “It takes about three to four days to clear an acre,” Lane said.
The unexpected adventure at MMC showcased the goats’ usefulness, as well as their willingness to return to work, thanks to a helpful group of community members.
Northwest Louisiana Goatscaping can be contacted for goat-powered brush removal services at (318) 510-1436.
