Adapt — lesson from a goat

Photo Randy Vanderveen Grande Prairie, AB Aug. 6/09 Goats, from the Rocky Ridge Ranch near Beaverlodge, hungrily target tansy in a field near Bear Lake northwest of Grande Prairie. The goats, which used to be used to control growth in forestry cut blocks, have been trained to target the noxious weed which has become a problem in the Grande Prairie area. Although the weed is poisonous, it doesn't affect the goats as long as it remains less than 20 per cent of the animals' daily diet. This past week was busy — nothing spectacular but relatively busy.

I did come across a unique photo opportunity. While driving the backroads north of Grande Prairie, I came across Conrad Lindblom, who operates Rocky Ridge Ranch near Beaverlodge, herding a flock of goats on horseback.

I took some photos and got a little information from him.

The past few years the goats have been used in forestry cut blocks in BC to control vegetation. This year, because the forestry industry has been slow, Lindblom trained his goats to eat tansy — a noxious weed that is becoming a real problem in the South Peace.

The animals are targetting the weed — although it has to remain less than 20 per cent of their diet to prevent the weed from becoming toxic— and are being used to clear ditches, fields and even the local ski area of the plant.

Lindblom said the goats offer the best option for weed control after spraying.

After, I thought to myself if goats can adapt to a changing marketplace perhaps I better look at adapting too— it won't kill me. Whether it is a new type of service or learning a new technique, any time I stretch myself in my business or personal life it is likely to benefit me.

Although, unlike the goat, it will probably take me a bit longer to make those adaptations. But a work in progress is better than stagnation.

One of the many humurous comics put out daily on the What the Duck blog.