"Dozens of animals have been mowing down overgrown vegetation at Jay Peak near the Canadian border. They're expected to clear 25 acres (10 hectares) over a five-week stint, an experiment officials say is worth a try on part of the 300 acres (120 hectares) that need to be mowed. The goal is to gradually reduce the reliance on gas-powered mechanical mowers."
"The animals wear special collars that emit a noise if they get too close to an invisible fence and deliver a mild shock if they cross the barrier. The collars also send data to the herd's owner, Adam Ricci of Cloud Brook Grazing. "I can see where they're spending most of their time. And I also get a heads up if there's sick animals. I'll see a drop in activity and then it'll give me a notification," he said."
Dozens of goats and sheep are mowing overgrown vegetation across 25 acres at Jay Peak over a five-week stint, part of 300 acres that need mowing. The program aims to reduce reliance on gas-powered mechanical mowers by using livestock for vegetation control. Animals wear collars that emit a noise near an invisible fence and deliver a mild shock if crossed; collars also send activity and health data to owner Adam Ricci of Cloud Brook Grazing. Livestock landscaping has precedent in utility right-of-way clearing, university campuses, and urban parks. Ricci's herd reclaimed abandoned farmland, removed poison ivy and controlled invasive species, with potential to scale to other ski resorts.
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