{"id":7206,"date":"2026-04-28T11:32:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T15:32:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/?p=7206"},"modified":"2026-04-28T11:32:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T15:32:20","slug":"controlling-vegetation-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/controlling-vegetation-what-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"Controlling vegetation: What to do"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>By  E.N. Escobar, J.J. Rodriguez and H. Taylor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This report was presented at the 5th Grazing Livestock Nutrition Conference: Enhancing management, production, and sustainability of grazing ruminants in extensive landscapes, held July 17-19, 2016 at Canyons Resort, Park City, Utah<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"749\" src=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/lagoon-1-1024x749.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/lagoon-1-1024x749.png 1024w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/lagoon-1-300x220.png 300w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/lagoon-1-768x562.png 768w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/lagoon-1.png 1107w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">During this study, we used near infrared field photography to capture vegetation density<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Targeted grazing has been practiced for thousands of years and along with fire, grazing is the oldest vegetation management tool (Launchbaugh and Walker, 2006). The benefits from the utilization of grazing have beenstudied at length in silvopastural systems, some of the benefits of grazing versus the use of machinery and chemicals are increased soil fertility and preservation (Power, 2003), biodiversity conservation (Pagiola, 2004), atmospheric carbon sequestration (Soto-Pinto, 2010) and mitigation of greenhouse effect gasses (Schoeneberger, 2009).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Farmers utilizing targeted grazing in similar systems also observe benefits such as increased quality in forage and animal production (Yamamoto, 2007; Paciullo, 2011).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Objectives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The main objective was the development of a module with multiple components to propose solutions for management of unwanted vegetation using sheep and\/or goats on Delmarva.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educate and train farmers, extension educators, foresters, master gardeners, faculty and administrators in how to use sheep and goats to manage unwanted vegetation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote the sustainability of sheep and goat farms by utilizing unwanted vegetation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1007\" height=\"408\" src=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/Escobar-table-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/Escobar-table-1.png 1007w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/Escobar-table-1-300x122.png 300w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/Escobar-table-1-768x311.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1007px) 100vw, 1007px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br><em>Parameters considered when using sheep and goats <\/em><em>to manage unwanted vegetation at two trial sites in Princess <\/em><em>Anne, MD<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"962\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/Escobar-table-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/Escobar-table-2.png 962w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/Escobar-table-2-300x146.png 300w, https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/Escobar-table-2-768x374.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 962px) 100vw, 962px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br><em>Nutritional value of unwanted vegetation at<\/em> <em>two trial sites in Princess Anne, MD<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Methodology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two groups of animals were selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Group A had 10 ewes and 10 does. The target area consisted of two drain ditches: Ditch #1 with a woody patch on both sides of the ditch containing mixed understory species (total area of 1,149.77 m2). Ditch #2 also contained mixed understory, predominantly multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) and had a total area of 1,010.47 m2. Sheep and goats were allowed in the targeted areas from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily except when raining.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group B consisted of 40 sheep and goat weathers. The target area consisted of steep lagoon banks in two lagoons with a combined target area of 1,525.24 m2\u2022 The vegetation was predominantly horseweed (Coniza canadensis (L.)).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In both targeted sites, prior to exposing the target sites to the animals, several random locations (1 m2) were selected and all vegetation inside the squared meter was clipped, collected, weighed, air dried, and analyzed (proximate analysis).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plant samples were also collected and pressed in newspaper for future identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was no diet supplementation for any of the groups and access to water and mineral salt was available constantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">General set-up process:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1. Select grazing animals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2. Select the target grazing site<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3. Sample collections<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4. Determine enclosure strategy (fencing)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5. Apply the grazing pressure: animal units and time on the target plots<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The sheep and goats readily engaged in consuming the target site&#8217;s vegetation&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adapted to the daily management.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Group A remained on target site for approximately 31 days and cleared 85% of the unwanted vegetation. Group B remained on target site approximately 28 days and cleared 95% of the unwanted vegetation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The utilization of sheep and goats to control unwanted vegetation in forest, public and sensitive areas is a viable alternative that could potentially reduce costs associated with the use of chemicals or machinery. In addition, the use of sheep and goats could help reduce environmental pollution produced by the overapplication of herbicides.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small family farms can take advantage either by adding goat meat production to their existing practices or by potentially lowering their production costs in situations where the animals can replace chemicals or machinery by developing a vegetation management business using sheep and goats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Launchbaugh, Karen, and J. W. Walker. 2006. \u201cTargeted grazing \u2014 a new paradigm for livestock&nbsp; management.\u201d Targetted grazing: A natural approach to vegetation management and landscape enhancement. Centennial, CO, USA: American Sheep Industry Association: 2-8<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power, I.L., B. S. Thorrold, and M. R. Balks. 2003. \u201cSoil properties and nitrogen availability in silvopastoral plantings of Acacia melanoxylon in North Island, New Zealand.\u201d Agroforestry systems 57.3:225-237.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paglola, Stefano. 2004. Paying for biodiversity conservation services in agricultural landscapes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soto-Pinto, Lorena. 2010, Carbon sequestration through agroforestry in indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico. Agroforestry Systems 78.1: 39-51.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schoeneberger, Michele M., 2009. Agrofestory: working trees for sequestering carbon on agricultural lands. Agroforestry Systems 75.1: 27-37.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yamamoto, Wataru, loan Ap Dewi, and Muhammad lbrahim, 2007, Effects of silvopastoral areas on milk production at dual-purpose cattle&nbsp; farms at the semi-humid old agricultural frontier in central Nicaragua. Agricultural Systems&nbsp; 94.2: 368-375.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"28\" src=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/139\/2025\/10\/nifa-color-lockup-4x-300x28.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7077\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><br>These projects are sponsored by a USDA\/NIFA Capacity Building Grant (MDX-ESCOBAR) and Evans-Allen grant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By E.N. Escobar, J.J. Rodriguez and H. Taylor This report was presented at the 5th Grazing Livestock Nutrition Conference: Enhancing management, production, and sustainability of grazing ruminants in extensive landscapes, held July 17-19, 2016 at Canyons Resort, Park City, Utah Targeted grazing has been practiced for thousands of years and along with fire, grazing is&#8230;<span class=\"cpschool-read-more-link-holder\"><a class=\"btn btn-basic cpschool-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/controlling-vegetation-what-to-do\/\">Read more <span class=\"sr-only\">Controlling vegetation: What to do<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2245,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","wds_primary_category":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-7206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2245"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7206"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7206\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7206"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=7206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}