Alec Zachreson with Motherlode Goats LLC
For many of us in Tuolumne County our top priority is fire safety. We know that land clearing is a must, but what is the best way to go about making it happen? Motherlode Goats LLC offers a unique and sustainable way to manage our land and reduce wildfire fuel - goats! Alec Zachreson owns and operates a goat rental service in the Tuolumne County area for landowners looking to clear or maintain their acreage.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Zachreson at his ranch where we talked about his story, toured the property, and I even got to meet his horse and two pack mules (who were exceptionally welcoming). After learning more about the business, I can say with confidence that Motherlode Goats LLC is a great solution for property owners who want to ensure their land is stewarded in a sustainable and ethical way.
History
After spending his earlier years in Santa Cruz, Alec moved to the area in 2014 to do backcountry sawyer work in Yosemite. During this time he would spend days horse packing and maintaining trails (sometimes clearing as many as 300 trees in a day with a crew as small as 3 people). According to him, the chainsaws originally brought him into the work but it was ultimately the horses that kept him around. Through this experience he developed a love of horse packing and ranching, which launched his career to where he is today.
After originally starting as a partnership under the name “Gold Country Grazing and Land Management” in 2020, the business was reimagined as a solo venture under its current name in 2021. During the first three years in business, Zachreson actually rented his goats from another rancher in order to purchase the equipment needed to get everything up and running. Since 2024 he has had full ownership over the goats, and both the herd and the business have continued growing.
Now
When Motherlode Goats LLC was initially launched, it was started with a small herd of only 6 goats and took on jobs as small as residential backyards. Since then, the herd has grown substantially and will typically graze on lots ranging from 2-200+ acres.
Typically when goats are delivered to a job site, they will come equipped with everything they need. Depending on the needs of the specific property that they are working on, this may include temporary electric fencing and a tarp shelter for shade or rain cover. The goats are always accompanied by at least one herding dog. Throughout a given rental period Alec will make regular visits to the herd to make sure the goats are safe, healthy, and that things are moving along nicely.
Depending on the property size, the goats may be set up on a rotational grazing pattern. Rotational grazing is important for both soil health, and the health of the herd. It helps to manage weeds by encouraging regrowth of wanted plants (like good pasture grasses), and controls parasite exposure to the animals. Whether you are renting goats or raising them, this is important to consider.
What’s Next?
As of 2026, Motherlode Goats LLC has acquired just under 50 acres of grazing land for the animals. The ranch will provide food and shelter for the herd, as well as act as a location to experiment with utilizing animal grazing as a way to increase the efficacy of prescribed burns. Zachreson is passionate about teaching upcoming generations of ranchers and landowners about the importance of fuel abatement and rotational grazing and will be working with the Columbia Junior College Forestry and Natural Resources program to run demonstrations on the property.
When talking to Alec, his passion for what he does really shines through. With this type of service, landowners can feel good about utilizing sustainable land practices and knowing they are working with someone who genuinely cares about the animals.
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