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Why ski resorts have ditched mowers for goats

Months before the first snow falls, dozens of sheep and goats have been deployed to the slopes of Jay Peak in Vermont — Months before the first snow falls, dozens of sheep and goats have been deployed to the slopes of Jay Peak in Vermont (AP)

Jay Peak ski resort in Vermont is trialling the use of sheep and goats for vegetation control.
The animals are clearing overgrown areas as an experiment to reduce the resort's reliance on gas-powered mechanical mowers.
Over a five-week period, the herd successfully cleared 25 acres, with officials deeming the trial a success.
The livestock wear special collars for invisible fencing and data monitoring, allowing their owner to track activity and health.
This 'goatscaping' method offers environmental benefits, such as reducing carbon footprint and erosion, and could potentially be scaled to other ski resorts.

Ski resorts turn to goats and sheep to clear their slopes — In full