In the recent debate over the debt extension, Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, issued a report on what he considered wasteful government spending. The report featured a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that had been awarded to historically black Langston University in Oklahoma. The grant sponsored research on developing a better electric fence for goat farmers.
Langston University issued a response showing the importance of the research. Goats are used by some cattle ranchers to control brush and weeds on pastures. The use of goats for this purpose is cost effective and environmentally friendly. But traditional barbed-write fences used for cattle are not sufficient to keep goats enclosed. The grant provided funds to research the most effective means of keeping goats enclosed at a low cost.
The university response stated that the research will provide great benefits for the economy.
