Goats with No Kidding Weed Management. (Government of Saskatchewan)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Professional Eaters

Goats being used to get rid of weeds around Wascana Centre

May 24, 2023 | 1:06 PM

The Wascana Centre is bringing back a unique but effective tactic to deal with its weed problem.

Over 200 goats, coming from the Village of Elbow, will be allowed to walk the grounds from May 24^th to June 1^st and eat all the weeds they want. Around 100 goats were brought in last year and had a major impact in the area.

“We are pleased to welcome a herd of 200 local Saskatchewan goats to enjoy our tasty weeds,” said Don McMorris, the Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission. “Goat grazing allows us to reduce the spread of invasive plants without the use of chemical herbicides and machinery.”

One goat is expected to eat around 10 pounds of weeds daily, meaning the roughly 200 goats will be able to get rid of around a tonne of pesky plants every day.

To make sure the goats don’t wander off, an electrified fence has been set up. Shepard Florentine Maathius will also be with them each day, alongside a sheepdog and two Border Collie herding dogs.

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People are allowed to come and watch the animals at work but are asked to stay away from the fences and to have their dogs on leashes to ensure they don’t distract the shepherd dogs while they’re working.

Meanwhile, the goats will be back for round two in August in an attempt to stop the weeds from seeding.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow