Lani Malmberg: Controlling Invasive Species With Goats

With the overwhelming devastation to the environment from the use of pesticides and herbicides, that not only leach into our precious water supply but can remain in the soil for decades, people have begun to search for safe alternatives. Some people have actually gone back to basics in order to control invasive species of plants without having to destroy the eco-system.

Lani Malmberg, owner of Ewe4ic Geological Services, uses goats in a controlled grazing environment to gradually and naturally remove weeds in order to return the land to a healthy, natural ecosystem. Lani wanders the meadows, hillsides and waterways of the West, hooked staff in hand, pitting 1,500 cashmere goats against pockets of unwanted weeds that infest the landscape.

Lani actuallygrew up in a cattle ranching family. While in graduate school studying weed science, Lani started her business Ewe4ic Ecological Services as an alternative for people who did not want to continue the destruction of the environment with chemical applications. Lani uses 2100 cashmere goats and has a myriad of clients; working for the government, private landowners for noxious weed control, fire reduction, re-seeding, watershed management and land restoration. Her company also offers noxious weed mapping and inventory.

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer will speak to Lani Malmberg about the success of using goats as an alternative to herbicides. Stay tuned!