Could goats be the answer to managing weeds in Saskatoon parks?
The City of Calgary has launched a three week pilot program to see how well goats get rid of invasive plants in their public green spaces.
READ MORE: Goats to graze at Calgary parks as part of pilot project
Called the goat grazing pilot project, a herd of 100 goats will graze at two Calgary parks this summer – along with a professional shepherd and a group of herding dogs and horses. Data will be collected and analysed to see how effective the animals are at controlling the weeds.
Goats have been used to control weeds in other cities around Canada and the world.
The animals have a natural appetite for broad-leaf weeds, their droppings have fertilizing properties and they’re able to get just about anywhere, making them perfect for the job. On top of that, they eliminate the need for chemicals and save as much as $1,500 a hectare.
What do you think about this? Would you be in favour of Saskatoon following Calgary’s lead on weed control?
Be sure to comment with your thoughts and watch Global News Morning at 7:55 a.m. CT to see if we pull up your comment.
WATCH BELOW: Global photographer Dani Lantela caught footage of goats munching down as part of a City of Calgary pilot project.
With files from David Boushy and Melissa Ramsay