Before any animal arrives
A project starts with a site assessment — either an in-person visit or, increasingly, a review of submitted photos and property details — to evaluate vegetation type and density, terrain and slope, access for trailers, water availability, and any hazards (poisonous plants to avoid, unstable structures, public trail proximity). That assessment is what actually determines herd size, estimated duration, and fencing plan; it's also why sight-unseen pricing is unreliable.
Once a scope is agreed, the logistics get scheduled: fencing materials and water delivery (if needed) typically arrive first, followed by the herd itself, transported by livestock trailer.
During the project, and what wraps it up
Once grazing begins, a herder or herding team checks the animals at least daily — moving fence for the next cell, checking water, watching for health issues, and adjusting pace based on how fast the current cell is clearing. This daily oversight is the actual professional service being sold, distinct from the animals or fencing themselves.
A project ends when the agreed area has been grazed to the target standard, at which point fencing comes down, the herd is loaded out, and — for agency or HOA clients in particular — documentation of the completed work (photos, dates, acreage) is often provided as part of the contract, since that record can matter for insurance, grant compliance, or a board's own records.