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Waupaca planning commission extends goat-grazing pilot for 2026
Summary
The Waupaca City Planning Commission voted to extend a prescribed-goat grazing pilot at two properties into 2026, continuing prior conditions: no more than 30 days, a maximum of 10 goats, and permanent fencing; the commission will review results at year-end or earlier if the 30 days are used.
The Waupaca City Planning Commission voted to extend a pilot program allowing prescribed grazing by goats at 401 Constance Road and 1761 Wear Street into 2026.
Juliana Stoves, planning department staff, told the commission the applicant asked to extend the trial that began in 2025 and summarized the original conditions: use limited to no more than 30 total days per year, a maximum of 10 goats on site at any time, an approved site plan and permanent fence permit, and a requirement that goats be fully contained by a physical fence (geofencing may be used in addition but not as a substitute). Stoves said the previously approved site plans and the installed permanent fence remain in place and that any substantive changes would require a new site-plan application.
Applicant Russ Buckitz said he seeks the same limits in 2026 and aims eventually to allow grazing as sites need it. He showed a short video of the goats on site and described logistical challenges during 2025 that limited grazing to a single day, including medical issues and transport. Buckitz framed the practice as an environmentally sustainable alternative to herbicides and cited a recent publication he said links higher cancer rates among Midwestern farmers and farmhands to pesticide exposure; he offered the grazing pilot as a way to reduce chemical use.
Commissioners and staff reviewed the six conditions point by point and confirmed containment measures: a permanent physical fence is required, with virtual collars and electro-netting used only when staff are present on site. Staff also said the formal review originally scheduled for the end of 2025 will be applied to the end of 2026, or earlier if the 30 permitted days are used sooner.
Commissioner Eric Olsson moved to approve the extension under the six conditions discussed; Commissioner Jake Waller seconded. A voice vote produced three affirmative responses and the motion carried. Mayor Brian Smith offered the applicant well wishes as the commission concluded the item.
The commission’s approval applies only to 2026 and does not guarantee future, ongoing use; the department will report back after the review period.
