But Marty Deans, who manages the 6300ha property between Outram and Middlemarch for Lone Star Farms, running 32,000 stock units, has no regrets.
On May 21, a field day, organised by the New Zealand Boer Goat Breeders Association, is being held at Barewood, Station centred on farming meat-goats on a large property.
Participants will see first-hand what the goats can do when farmed in a challenging and extensive environment, with little input.
The decision to trial goats on Barewood was a first for Lone Star Farms and it is the only Lone Star property that has them.
After doing some research, Mr Deans was keen to get some goats for thistle control and pasture improvement, particularly tidying up nodding thistles.
At the same time, it was imperative the station's lamb and beef operation was not compromised by the introduction of goats.
He started with 200 does and slowly bought more and the property is now breeding its own replacements.
This year, 760 does will go to the buck and kids are also grazed for another breeder.
While numbers could be increased, Mr Deans believed between 750 and 1000 does was a comfortable number.
The introduction of goats had been a "whole different culture" for the station's staff to come to grips with.
If they were happy to work with the animals, then they got on well with them.
Mr Deans quite enjoyed working with them, saying they were "interesting characters".
However, with such a large operation, he and his staff could not afford to spend too much time with goats and they were left to their own devices most of the time.
They were not disturbed at kidding time and kidded just over 100%. They were set-stocked and usually left in that area through to weaning about March-April.
They needed to have good feet and good constitution - "nothing gets pampered here" - and the does were drenched once a year, and the kids three times.
There had not been any problems with the goats handling the climatic conditions at Barewood.
Winters could get quite harsh and summers dry - or wet, as was the case in the past season.
The effect the goats had had on the pasture exceeded expectations, Mr Deans said.
"We're very impressed with what they have and haven't done," Mr Deans said.
His biggest problem was putting a monetary value on the pasture improvement and weed control because of the goats.
Mr Deans, who has managed Barewood for 11 years, including seven for Lone Star Farms, is a member of the Southern Boer Goat Group.
When he first got involved, he found the workshops and focus days very informative.
He was very impressed with the openness of the group and its willingness to support and help new members.
He has been co-opted on to a steering committee to utilise levies paid to the former Meat and Wool New Zealand.
There was a need for more research and development and promotion of goat farming, he said.
• To register for the field day, contact Owen Booth on (03) 4345536.