Umatilla County is bringing back the goats

By Terry Murry on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – The Umatilla County Board of Commissioners have approved a contract with Jerry Kropf of Ritter for goats to return to graze two parcels of land for weed control. Kropf says grazing is set at $85 an acre plus a $500 move-in and set-up fee. The contract will total $18,350.

Kropf provided goats last year, which was the first time the county had chosen this method of weed control for the same two parcels. One thousand head of goats will graze the 210 acres in the Hermiston area.

The same full-time herder who worked the goats last year will be returning with them this year. Umatilla County Board of Commissioners Chairman Dan Dorran said the county was pleased with last year’s work.

“The process just works perfect,” Dorran said. “My hat’s off to Pendleton and ODOT way back when they started this. You could classify it as entertainment.”

The goats are scheduled to begin grazing on April 15 and end on or before June 15.