A study from Duke University has found that having goats on your land- whether it be a farm, a garden, or just a normal backyard- is actually a better method for keeping weeds off your land than using chemicals!
Field experiments at Duke and six other universities have found that goats are in fact a low-cost, sustainable alternative to weed killers. Goats have been used for centuries in many parts of Europe to maintain farmland.
Herbicides can be harmful to the environment in many ways. If overused, herbicides can kill native plants and destroy habitats of many animals. Additionally, if herbicides spread to other areas, they can kill off plants in offsite locations. The toxicity of herbicides is also a concern. Herbicides can be digested by small animals, which could have adverse health effects. Human exposure is also possible via consumption of plants, fruits, and vegetables.
While having a goat may not be for everyone, it could be a more sustainable option for those that have the space and want to try something new!
Written by Alyssa Lemire, Class of 2017
Special thanks to Pixabay for providing the photo.
