City of Newton using goats to help clean up brush

NEWTON, Kan. (KSNW) — The City of Newton said about 190 yearling goats have been released on city-owned land to help clean up brush and saplings.

A news release says the goats are from Restoration Grazing from Beaumont in Butler County and are grazing roughly 24 acres of land between SE 9th Street and SE 12th Street in the Kansas Logistics Park.

The land is currently optioned by K&O Railroad.

“City Parks staff have burned the area every couple of years to control the growth but hope the goats may be more effective in keeping down saplings. The goats are a more eco-friendly option than using heavy equipment and may also be more cost-effective,” the City of Newton said in the release.

The city is paying Restoration Grazing $2,000 to use the goats through the end of April. It’s a pilot program that could be used on other city properties if it’s found to be effective.

City officials have placed an electric fence down to keep the goats in and predators out. Residents are welcome to go see the goats but shouldn’t try to enter the area or pet them.

Using goats to clear land is something the city of Wichita has done as well , also utilizing Restoration Grazing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.