Teaming Up with Oxen
In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Tracy Mumma talks with Jim Gronau, who uses oxen as draft animals on his farm in Ontario, Canada. Jim describes some of the environmental, economic, and marketing benefits of using oxen, and he provides pointers for getting started as a teamster and for starting a young team of oxen. Jim also explains what an ox is and talks about how versatile oxen can be on a farm. Finally, Jim reflects on the magic moment when everything comes together and the animals and driver become a team.
Related ATTRA Resources:
· Episode 333. Draft Animals 101
· Draft Animal Power for Farming
Other Resources:
· Draft Animal Power Network
· Oxen: A Teamster’s Guide to Raising, Training, Driving & Showing
· Oxen: Their Care, Training, and Use
· Live Power in Agriculture: Working Equines and Bovines Class
· Midwest Ox Drovers Association
· All Things Oxen
· Oxen in Canada
· Small Farmer’s Journal
· Rural Heritage
· World Draft Cattle Symposium
Contact Tracy Mumma at tracym@ncat.org.
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You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.