Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) is working with Kaizen Ridge Farm to have rescue goats graze under its transmission lines. Goat grazing is an effective vegetation management method that limits weeds and vegetation while replacing the use of gas-powered machines for this vital maintenance necessity.
“Overgrown trees and brush lead to power outages, especially during storms,” said Erin Perry, manager of Vegetation Management for RG&E and NYSEG. “When lead utility arborist, Matthew Steiner, presented this initiative I knew it was worth pursuing. Using goats to clear vegetation is a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach to ensure customers receive safe and reliable service.”
When service is interrupted, it’s most often due to trees or brush contacting power lines. To minimize this, RG&E regularly prunes and removes vegetation in transmission line rights of ways. The goats will further improve these efforts by clearing vegetation in remote locations that are difficult for crews to access.
Kaizen Ridge Farm breeds and rescues goats, sheep, and chickens in Victor, NY. The goats grazing at RG&E sites were rescued. Kaizen Ridge Farm is working with RG&E to provide these goats with a second chance and a new role in the community.
“We’re proud to collaborate with RG&E in our mission to rescue goats,” said Allison Sherman from Kaizen Ridge Farm. “We have a mutually beneficial relationship that has allowed us to rescue over 25 goats and create a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for RG&E to maintain the vegetation in their rights of ways, benefiting the community and environment.”
RG&E and Kaizen Ridge Farm will continue to utilize goats for rotational grazing and are planning to bring goats to future RG&E events for the public to interact with, allowing them to learn more about the project.
