Kudzu-eating goats? Not a baaaad idea for Norfolk Southern

The goats at Norfolk Southern’s Inman Yard in Atlanta are combatting invasive kudzu vines that can clog sewer drains.

Why it matters: Kudzu has plagued the South for decades, known for growing a foot per day, killing plants and trees along the way, according to the National Parks Service. Traditional removal methods are costly and ineffective long-term. Unlike chemicals or manual removal, goats offer a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative that targets the roots, not just the vines.

Behind the GOAT idea:

• The goats are monitored, requiring water, shade, and a salt block.
• The nearest track is 200 yards away, minimizing safety risks.
• Hundreds of trees and plants are protected from kudzu.

From LOL to Landscaping: The idea started as a joke. “Someone said, ‘Let’s get some goats out there,’ and it stuck,” said Nathan Williams, Norfolk Southern Environmental Manager. After online research, Norfolk Southern hired Glitzy Goats, a local goatscaping company.

By the numbers:

• Estimated cost savings: $25,000.
• Time saved: 7 days of manual labor.
• Current herd: 24 goats, 1 herding sheep.
• Timeline: 3–4 weeks, covering 5-7 acres.

A view from Inman Yard the moment the goats made their arrival.

The same spot at Inman about a week later.

What’s next: Goats could become a regular part of Norfolk Southern’s green toolbox—alongside solar power and infrastructure upgrades. Other sites are being considered, including Austell and Doraville yards, where vegetation threatens water quality and infrastructure. The goats could become a scalable solution.