Episode 333. Draft Animals 101

For centuries, draft animals were the premier power source for agriculture. 

Although tractors eventually usurped draft animals on most farms, ranches, and forests, some teamsters have kept the traditions alive. With the upswing of modern homesteading and people striving for ecologically beneficial agricultural practices, it looks like draft power is making a comeback. 

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist and wanna-be teamster Linda Poole quizzes seasoned experts Tracy Mumma (also an NCAT staff member), Tracy’s husband David Sturman, and Jim Gronau – an oxen teamster from Canada – on the what, why, and how of getting started with draft animals.  

 If you want to learn more, be sure to come back for the next episode – an in-depth conversation between Tracy and Jim about using draft animals in farming. 

 Related ATTRA Resources: 

• Draft Animal Power for Farming:

 Other Related Resources: 

• Oxen: A Teamster’s Guide to Raising, Training, Driving & Showing
• Oxen: Their Care, Training, and Use 
• Small Farmer’s Journal 
• Rural Heritage
• Draft Animal-Power Network
• Live Power in Agriculture: Working Equines and Bovines Class
• Midwest Ox Drovers Association
• All Things Oxen
• Oxen in Canada

Contact Linda Poole and Tracy Mumma at lindap@ncat.org and 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.