The City of Fountain Utilities in Colorado is utilizing sheep to control the weeds on a 25-acre piece of land that is home to a substation and solar array.
Previous treatment methods at the property in Fountain proved less effective than in the past, so utility officials reached out to a family to inquire about the possibility of letting their sheep graze on the land rent-free.
The Bakers, long time residents of the Fountain area, agreed to bring 28 animals to the location.
This is the first time sheep have been used at the location for weed control. They are expected to remain on the property until freezing temperatures arrive.
Unlike goats, which are capable of climbing on top of structures (including solar panels), the sheep will remain on the ground while consuming just about any type of vegetation.
"We are always searching for opportunities to provide services in a cost-effective manner which means sometimes doing things that are not necessarily typical. So, when Carl Christian, a well-known and respected local rancher, who is also the Deputy Utilities Director and whose family has now been in Fountain for 7 generations came to me with the idea to bring in sheep from another rancher, I didn’t hesitate to give him the green light," said Dan Blankenship, Utilities Director for the
City of Fountain. "The sheep are getting fed, our weeds are going away, and no money changes hands. It’s a real win-win for everyone, including the sheep!"
