Hoof and Hand
Land Care Services for North Idaho
Our Services
Prescribed Goat Grazing
Targeted understory brush consumption by our herd of goats mitigates fire risk and reduces undesirable plant load while enhancing overall ecosystem functions.
Homestead Handyman Services
Offering a wide range of quality-crafted farm work to help you check projects off your list; fencing, irrigation, livestock shelters, orchards, forest thinning, and more.
Land Consultation
Survey, monitor, and analyze the dynamic complexity of what is happening in your ecosystem. Co-create a plan for starting or upgrading your homestead land-base.
About Prescribed Grazing
Prescribed Grazing is the intentionally planned and implemented harvesting of vegetation with livestock to accomplish desired ecological, economic, and management goals. The major benefits of this style of land care include, but are not limited to:
Fire Risk Reduction- Removing fine and ladder fuels on the landscape decreases fire spread and intensity. Improving water retention in the soil and vegetation through long-term, beneficial ecological interactions also lowers the spread and intensity of fire.
Invasive Species Mitigation - With accurate timing, undesirable plant species can be targeted and consumed by grazing before seed heads are able to release their next generation. Additionally, improved soil quality enables more desirable species of plants to succeed in place of the weedy species that have emerged up to help soil recover.
Ecological Health Enhancement- Holistically planned grazing accounts for variables and makes decisions that positively affect soil biology, nutrient cycling, plant diversity, water infiltration, wildlife habitat, and overall ecosystem health and succession. Grazing and trampling disturbance, fertility through excrement, and adequate recovery time are some of the main influences that goats and other ruminant animals have on ecosystem improvement. For more on this topic, please reach out to us directly, as this is Joshua’s favorite thing to chat about.
About Hoof and Hand
Hoof and Hand is led by Joshua, a diligent Goatherd (shepherd but for goats), land custodian, and water protector. He collaborates with this ever-evolving herd of ruminant animals and a few very good guardian dogs to enhance landscapes, reconnect community, and remember our humanity. Through the relationship of four-legged, grazing animals and two-legged omnivores, we live as the kinship that has always existed and always will.
Joshua brings years of ecological observation, practical skills, and deep respect for the intelligence of Creation. The herd brings appetite, hoof impact, nutrient cycling, and delightful kinetic energy. Together, they bring logistical and spirit-driven land care that lives well-beyond a single season.
This isn't conventional contracting. It is interspecies collaboration and a celebration of relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Joshua walks your land, assesses vegetation, soil health, terrain, and converses with you about your goals. From there, we develop a tailored grazing plan.
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We utilize mobile, electrified-netting to fence the goats in and to keep predators out. The fence is energized by a solar-battery unit.
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Each project is quoted individually based on acreage, vegetation type, terrain, and duration. After the survey, you'll receive a transparent estimate.
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We work within a 30-mile radius of Sandpoint, Idaho, with extended service to the Bonners Ferry region. Not sure if we can reach you? Just ask us!
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The length of time the herd spends grazing your site depends on acreage, vegetation density, seasonal conditions, and your goals for the land. We will analyze these factors and make a plan during our site visit.
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Yes. Our guardian dogs protect the herd, and we carefully assess each site for compatibility. We'll discuss any specific concerns (pets, gardens, infrastructure) during the survey.