Discuss: A Share in the Shear

Well, I guess it all depends on how you define success. Susan is quite happy—and feels she has an exciting future. That’s a lot more than the Wall Street types right now. I bet all those Madoff investors aren’t looking forward to a bright future.
For Susan, however, the sky’s the limit—because she based her life on something other than money.

I am an RN/JD working as a nationally recognized trial consultant in San Clemente, CA.  I have been considering what next for some time now.  And last Friday night I had dinner to talk about my plans with a very successful local organic farmer.  He did not laugh @ my idea of a farm with sheep & goats & bees.  And last night when I opened my issue of ORION, there was Susan Gibbs’ story.  So, I said, “Yes I can & yes I will.”  Til next our paths cross, every good wish to you, Susan

Let’s face it, jobs are not fantasies and articles like this make it seem as if the path to free, environmentally friendly farming is clear and easy.  That being said, I would LOVE to see goats and sheep clearing brush in NY parks.  And so would my dog.

Several years ago, I traveled from Atlanta to the northern part of North Carolina. Along the route, I was dismayed to see all the kudzu choking the native plants and trees (and even growing over abandoned farm equipment). Subsequently, I learned that a lot of the border states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia suffer with tbe effects of kudzu.
I’m wondering if anyone has considered using goats and sheep (especially goats since they seem to eat anything!) to rid the area of kudzu? It certainly would be easier that trying to dig up the individual plants (which is the current solution, to my knowledge) rather than merely cutting off the branches.

I pity these lambs. But we can’t do anything to stop people from “harvesting” its fur: what we can do is just to be a better watchdog for any maltreatment.