101. The Smarter Way to Manage Invasive Weeds on Your Ranch with Ben Habig

Invasive weeds can quietly reduce carrying capacity and create long-term management challenges across a ranch. In this episode, John Haskell sits down with Ben Habig to discuss how prescribed grazing with goats and sheep can provide a biological alternative to chemical weed control. Using species like leafy spurge and houndstongue as examples, Ben explains how targeted grazing can reduce weed pressure, improve pasture utilization, and support healthier soils and riparian areas.The conversation also explores the realities of managing small ruminants, including fencing, predators, labor, and marketing challenges. Ben shares how his business partners with landowners across Montana to provide targeted grazing services that help ranches manage invasive species while improving long-term pasture health and resilience.Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode! In this episode, we cover:How goats and sheep can be used for targeted grazing and weed controlWhy species like leafy spurge reduce pasture utilization for cattleThe difference between chemical control and biological land management approachesHow prescribed grazing can improve soil health and nutrient cyclingWhy small ruminants require more intensive management and laborHow targeted grazing can create long-term improvements in carrying capacity and pasture compositionConnect with Ben:Check out his websiteFollow on Instagram @habiglivestockFollow on FacebookSubscribe on YouTubeConnect with Ranch Right:Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram @ranchrightllc Follow on Facebook Check out the website Check out all of our past webinars hereResources & Links:Book a Free Discovery Call to Learn More Ranching for Profit Ranching.FYI Wally Olson, Olson Ranch LLC Mentioned in this episode:We work with producers on cash flow, risk management, and long-term financial strategy so the business stays resilient—no matter the market. If you want to see whether that’s the right fit for your operation, click below to book a free call.Book a free discovery call