32 Mixed results KAMLOOPS – A pilot


program in Kamloops from 2012-2014 saw Conrad Lindblom and his goats help control noxious weeds on various city lands. Karla Hoffman, the city’s


integrated pest management coordinator, says the trial had mixed results. “They’re not ideal for


every situation. The trial was maybe not as effective as we’d hoped but definitely some positives came from it. There are varying degrees of efficacy on different weeds,” she says. “They’re really good in an enclosed area and a great choice around wetland areas where you have limited tools in the toolbox. In a couple of our large parks, with the weed species that we had there, it didn’t have the control that we’d hoped.” Lindblom knew public opinion was positive. He talked with people and introduced the public to the young kids. Hoffman says Lindblom’s


work raised awareness about invasive species and their control, even if the outcomes of the trial were


sometimes difficult to measure. “Where they were a good portion of the time, we had really good results in that there was ongoing control,” she says. “But in a park where we were only able to put the goats … once, there was limited control.”


The one-time grazing


could actually stimulate growth in certain plants, she explains. She says further analysis needs to be done to ensure goats are deployed in the most effective manner possible, bearing in mind local plant species. “We have more


information now to make decisions. We would consider it again, providing the circumstances lined up,” says Hoffman. Kamloops isn’t looking to bring goats back right now, mainly because the city no longer has access to where the herd was lodged. But Hoffman says having goats back isn’t out of the question and could be considered again, particularly if a local herd is available. —Myrna Stark Leader


GOATS tackle weeds Lindblom cautions


newcomers to the industry that they really need to understand the lifecycle of weeds. Most will die if their flowers are repeatedly eaten at the right time. Ranchers also have to


know and manage the herd. Goats can be trained like dogs but they can stress-out easily. “Travelling is hard on them but now that we have the


All in a day’s work. Rocky Ridge Vegetation Control uses horses and dogs to


move their goat herds from one grazing area to another.


nfrom page 31


herd trained, the babies learn from [their mothers] about getting into the trailer. And about four or five at night, goats come back on their own,” says Lindblom. Growers can also time


markets to ensure meat captures the best prices. Demand is particular strong among certain ethnic markets for which goat is a familiar meat. “We’re turning unwanted


BEEKMAN AUCTIONS


vegetation into a high-quality protein,” he says, adding, “more people in the world eat goats than beef.” With the BC Green party holding the balance of power in BC, Lindblom thinks there’s an opportunity to advance natural methods of weed control such as goats. This contrasts with the bias of most invasive species councils, which tend to favour spraying.


COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • MARCH 2018


9 AM START


CHILLIWACK CONSIGNMENT AUCTION


• TRACTORS • ALL TYPES of FARM EQUIPMENT • FARM TRUCKS • RVs, BOATS & ATVs


This auction offers the farming community an excellent opportunity to sell one or two items or even a small dispersal of your items at this wonderful facility.


APRIL 28 SATURDAY


FARM EQUIPMENT at HERITAGE PARK FAIRGROUNDS MOVE IN DAYS: TUESDAY, APRIL 24 TO THURSDAY, APRIL 26 9 AM TO 5 PM, FRIDAY, APRIL 27 9 AM TIL 11 AM ONLY


AUCTION CONDUCTED OUTDOORS IN THE HUGE WEST PARKING AREA 10% BUYERS FEE ON ITEMS SOLD FOR $2000 OR LESS.


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