Hoofbeat

Training the next generation to use draft power

Tillers International is a 33-year-old not-for-profit organization that helps educate people about rural heritage. Among the programs they train people how to use draft animals be it horses, oxen or other animals around the globe. Peter Robertson says the “local foods” movement has encouraged more people to get back to the farm to raise food for themselves and others.  As they get larger, they often choose to get into draft power as part of a sustainable agriculture system.

Tillers has a 430-acre farm at Scotts, Michigan where “anyone can come and take-a-turn behind a team of horses or oxen.” They have beginner classes where people learn the basics including caring for the animal, harnessing, driving and using different implements.  Advanced learning includes plowing, making hay, logging and others.  Robertson says the farm presents a setting “where people can learn and gain confidence in these skills.”

Visit the Tillers International website here:

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