They’re hungry, eat almost anything, and have four legs: meet the goats that are revolutionizing the way weeds are controlled in the Fraser Valley.
Many people use herbicides to eliminate the toughest of weeds, such as the invasive species Japanese Knotweed. But goat herder Conrad Lindblom, who owns Rocky Ridge Vegetation Control, has a different way of handling weeds – his goats.
“I manage and control the goats on weed control programs throughout southern B.C.,” Lindblom told CTV News, as his herd munches away on nearby Japanese Knotweed.
He and his wife started the company 18 years ago to come up with a better idea for controlling weeds rather than resorting to herbicides.
“We just didn’t like the use of herbicides on plants,” Lindblom said. “We really don't want to get herbicides into the water systems … and that's where there is a high demand for us.”
The Kamloops-based Rocky Ridge Vegetation Control is one of only three companies offering the service in Western Canada.
Goats are trained to eat select weeds, leaving more desired plants untouched. Even better, they digest weed seeds 100 per cent and don’t transfer them in their feces.
Now Lindblom’s innovative ideas are spreading to students at the University of the Fraser Valley, where a pilot project is underway.
"Goats have been targeting vegetation for thousands of years. In fact in the United States it’s a common practice,” said Terisha Mitchell, an agriculture student at UFV. “We just haven't jumped on board yet.”
“There’s a real art to it,” adds Lindblom, noting that he hopes the project helps spread awareness.
“What would really be nice would be if local universities would start teaching this… it’s a real technology and it needs to be taught.”
With files from CTV Vancouver's Jonathan Glasgow
