Introduction- Alisa from No. CA

Rather than lurking in the shadows, I thought I's say, "Hi.  I am new to the forum.  My name is Alisa."  I've checked out forum topics and see them --and you all -- as a great resource--looks like lots of people doing lots of interesting things. 

I am a permaculture design graduate from 1995, and have taken holistic management, browsing/grazing/livestock courses since, as well as gardening, soils and monitoring training.  I am a member of my local watershed group, which is part of the Upper Cache Creek watershed and which feeds the Sacramento delta region.

I am a goat producer, providing vegetation management service in northern CA.  I breed Kiko meat goats, registered and commercial, and Pyr and Anatolian livestock guardians.  My herd changes from year to year, but I will breed about 250 does this fall.  In addition to the goats, we have chickens, a large garden, and fruit trees on land that accomodates three households. 

I am interested in developing nut trees, bees, "art about agriculture", slow/local food, and friends!

Welcome Alisa,

I would like to hear more about LGDs.  How many dogs do you have?

How many acres do you have?

Can you post pictures?

We are dog heavy right now, transitioning some great older age dogs to lighter duty and bringing younger dogs on--I have 10 guardians and 4 coming up. 

I split the herd, for management purposes into various classes--bucks, does, registered, commercial, kids, and working wethers--and as needed to fulfill browsing contracts.  Elevation varies from about 1300 feet to 3000 ft--lots of topographical variation, lots of vegetative cover, lots of known large predators:  bear, lion, coyotes and occasional roaming "neighborhood" dogs.  I tend to stock dogs heavier than some people, but do not want the management problem (or guilt) of caring for wounded dogs (a single dog can't deal with bear, lion or packs of coyotes).  We've had no losses--livestock, dogs, or predators . 

I manage just under 200-acres , plus browsing contract acerage.  Will work on photos.

Then you might have some really excellent opinions on this thread:  https://permies.com/permaculture-forums/928_0/critter-care/livestock-guardian-animals-llamas-vs-great-pyr

Hi Alisa welcome and we'll sure all enjoy your input.