Grazing

Gorse Management

Grazing sheep and goats on your land can help control gorse. While sheep will not eat gorse seedlings over their head height, goats will, and goats can effectively keep gorse in check (depending on the size of your gorse infestation and the number of goats). Fencing must be secure, and you must provide adequate water, alternative food sources and care for any livestock.

Control Method Rating

Cost

Low | Medium | High

Efficacy

• • •

When

Sheep and goats will eat gorse all year.

Pros & Cons

Grazing is a low-cost gorse management option but a long-term commitment. Grazing will not kill gorse. Sheep and goats can also overgraze and increase the risk of erosion.

Follow up

Encourage and maintain fast-growing pasture so it competes with gorse.

Other Control Methods

Herbicidal Control

Mechanical Control

Alternative Methods

More Information

Working with contractors for effective gorse management

Working with contractors (print-friendly version)

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Cultural Heritage Awareness

Landholders must be careful to avoid further damage to the environment (including waterways) and Aboriginal cultural heritage sites when using machinery. Be aware of your legal obligations and obtain the necessary permits. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage may be found during works at any time, at any place.

If suspected heritage is discovered, work is to cease and a Preliminary Report Form must be completed and sent to vahr@dpc.vic.gov.au. If you are unsure, seek advice from Agriculture Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, First Peoples – State Relations (formerly Aboriginal Victoria) or your local council.

Disclaimer

The information provided by this website is intended for general information only and should not be relied on or used as a substitute for professional advice for your particular situation.

Before undertaking any weed or rabbit management, always obtain advice from a qualified expert, with respect to your own situation. Always read and follow the label before using any of the products mentioned and ensure that you are undertaking weed and rabbit management in the appropriate conditions and in the appropriate manner.

We do not guarantee this website is without flaw of any kind, or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes, and therefore disclaim all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information contained on the website for any purpose.

This project is an initiative of the Victorian Gorse Taskforce, the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party and the Victorian Rabbit Action Network and is funded a project by the Australian Government Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria.