Kudzu, a vining weed that can grow a foot a day, doesn't exactly have those in Appalachia singing its praises for much of anything. In fact quite the opposite is true; most want the invasive pest to stop covering and killing every living thing in its path. But goats don't seem to understand all the negativism surrounding the lush vegetation.

Barry Arnett retired from Wall Street and came to Rockholds in Whitley County to work a 225-acre farm that's been in his wife Ginny's family for more than 80 years. They built a log cabin on a hillside and began to shape up the farm. Arnett said he called the local University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service office to get some advice on what to do with the farm. After three recommendations, he decided meat goats would suit him and the farm quite well. So when UK researchers from Robinson Station in Breathitt County called Arnett to see if he would like to partner in a project, he hopped on the chance.

"I was tired of sitting on my front porch and looking at the kudzu (across the road). I thought it looked ugly," Arnett said. "But when you stop and...
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