 International Services
Tillers collects and adapts rural tools and skills from history and from current innovations developed around the world. Then, Tillers helps rural communities adapt these tools to their production needs.
Training and Harnessing
From many modern and historical techniques for harnessing and training animals, Tillers has developed low-stress techniques and comfortable yokes to increase productivity.
Animal-powered Agriculture
The world's 400 million draft animals mostly plow and harrow. Expanding uses to include effective weeding, harvesting, planting, haying, and post-harvest processing quickly boosts farm production.
Blacksmithing and Woodworking
Improving the skills of rural carpenters and blacksmiths is a critical step to better equipping farmers. With modest help, these artisans activate rural economies.
Local Transport
Simple carts speed farm marketing and relieve women of traditional drudgery. Tillers has collected designs for many needs, construction limits, and environments.
Secondary Industries
Cottage industries grow with other production changes. Rope making serves a broader market than ox and horse farmers. Metal casting creates more than farm implements.
Economic Stimulus
Off-season and off-farm use of draft animal power creatively kick starts a local economy. Tillers shares tools for road building, water projects, logging, and general construction.
Training of Trainers
Development of the skills of trainers, extension agents, and others to ensure project sustainability and provide a core of trainers is key to future projects.
Research and Training Opportunities
Tillers International hosts international guests at their home facility in Scotts, Michigan. Guests have the opportunity for special research projects or intensive training using Tillers collection of historic farming equipment, fabrication facilities, livestock, and farm fields. Visits to nearby animal powered farms and animal powered equipment manufacturing and research facilities can be arranged.
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