Davidson College was faced with acres and acres of uncontrollable kudzu. In the summer it grows an estimated 12 inches a day. It's also very dangerous to clear because of thick foliage that can hide stumps, logs and holes in the ground. Davidson College wanted to come up with a safe and environmentally sound way to clear the kudzu. They didn't cut it, they didn't spray it, they rented goats to eat it. Jolly is the assistant director of grounds maintanance and he loves watching the goats. He said, "They'll put their hooves up on the trees and pull the kudzu down like they're reeling in a fish."
Ron Searcy, owner of the goats, said he has rented the goats to city parks, recreational departments, and Virginia's Dominion electric company.
Each goat is eating about 20 pounds of kudzu per day and with 30 goats, five acres should be cleared in five to six weeks.
Reading about this I couldnt help asking, "Why didn't someone think of this earlier?"
The goats eating the kudzu won't kill the vines but tame it long enough for crews to take out stumps and fallen trees, plant grass and maintain the land more easily. Another thing is that no chemicals are used to kill any of the plants which will make it easier to grow other things in its place. This method of clearing land should be used everywhere and all the time. Goats eat everything so might as well use it to our advantage. Next time I see over grown weeds, I will rent a goat!
I think this is a great idea! It safely prevents environmental pollution and the goats' appetites slowly rein in the rampant kudzu!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic idea and an excellent solution to this ubiquitous problem. Our world needs simpler solutions - using goats as a deforestation tool is efficient and cost effective. The only problem I could see arise is the health of the goats – but if it was okayed by the farmer, it must not hurt their internal systems.
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