That’s a great question. I’m not certain how many acres they require because that would be determined by yield but they aren’t picky so hay that is not “horse quality” works just fine for them. 😁💚🐮🐮💚👍🏽
I was taught a class which, in part covered the history of technology. One technological change I included was the transition from oxen to horses in Northern Europe. The advantages of oxen to horses were - robust hooves that did not rot in the muddy conditions common in the typical clay soils there, simpler hitching collar arrangements due to the exposed collarbones of oxen, and the ability of oxen to thrive on a simpler grass diet, horses required more protein, typically provided by some grains.
You started with dairy calves? I’m super curious, and that’s how I read it. Not that I’ll ever have a farm, probably. I used to have a tiny ranch, but not now. I have a giant house on 1/16 acre.
I love this post and, as a horse person, I asked the same questions. Your answers and reasons for using oxen were spot on, reasonable and effective . Thank you for the information. I’ve been wanting to add a mini jersey cow to my small farm but I’m not sure if I want to commit to milking everyday.
Amen. These are all the reasons I went with cattle, too. Their “maintenance” costs are lower, equipment is cheaper and easier to DIY, and I also find they bring a more novel approach to how we run our farm. You might find some horse powered farms in IL, but very, very few oxen powered ones.
In my dad's hometown in central CT, at the annual fair they would have ox pulls and horse pulls. I really enjoyed watching the farmers work their oxen so much better than watching the horses. Back in the day there would be 10 or more teams in every class, nowadays much fewer. A dying art as suburbia continually encroaches.
And the oxen help produce their own fuel. I like it. How many acres of hay does an ox require in a year?
That’s a great question. I’m not certain how many acres they require because that would be determined by yield but they aren’t picky so hay that is not “horse quality” works just fine for them. 😁💚🐮🐮💚👍🏽
You are and will be an inspiration… especially when the diesel starts to run out.
Thank you. I aim to be prepared for any situation. 😁💚🐮🐮💚👍🏽
I was taught a class which, in part covered the history of technology. One technological change I included was the transition from oxen to horses in Northern Europe. The advantages of oxen to horses were - robust hooves that did not rot in the muddy conditions common in the typical clay soils there, simpler hitching collar arrangements due to the exposed collarbones of oxen, and the ability of oxen to thrive on a simpler grass diet, horses required more protein, typically provided by some grains.
They do have better feet and can thrive on poor feed. 😁💚🐮🐮💚👍🏽
You started with dairy calves? I’m super curious, and that’s how I read it. Not that I’ll ever have a farm, probably. I used to have a tiny ranch, but not now. I have a giant house on 1/16 acre.
Yea dairy calves are the easiest way to get into oxen. 😁💚🐮🐮💚👍🏽
I love this post and, as a horse person, I asked the same questions. Your answers and reasons for using oxen were spot on, reasonable and effective . Thank you for the information. I’ve been wanting to add a mini jersey cow to my small farm but I’m not sure if I want to commit to milking everyday.
Cattle are great in the right situation 😁💚🐮🐮💚👍🏽
Amen. These are all the reasons I went with cattle, too. Their “maintenance” costs are lower, equipment is cheaper and easier to DIY, and I also find they bring a more novel approach to how we run our farm. You might find some horse powered farms in IL, but very, very few oxen powered ones.
In my dad's hometown in central CT, at the annual fair they would have ox pulls and horse pulls. I really enjoyed watching the farmers work their oxen so much better than watching the horses. Back in the day there would be 10 or more teams in every class, nowadays much fewer. A dying art as suburbia continually encroaches.
Thank you for the enlightening information. I always learn something from your posts.
Is the equipment you use to work the oxen new, or do you have to find old gear and repair it
Thank you! I have seen oxen carts in Chile, and wondered about how oxen are to work.