Draft Animal Publications

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Books

OXEN, A Teamsters' Guide by Drew Conroy, 1999
Book, 352 pages

Drew's long-awaited re-write of his Oxen Handbook is available.  At 352 pages, it is 4 times longer than the previous version.  It is the most comprehensive instruction guide for ox teamsters, covering the selection, feeding, housing, training and working of oxen, plus fitting yokes, farming, logging, and show competitions.  It is a great reference with which to start your library.  

Item # 2bcon. Price: $25

The Bullock Drivers Handbook by Arthur Cannon (Sorry, out of print)
Book, 128 pages

This book describes training and hitching practices used in the outback of Australia through World War II. Arthur Cannon writes and illustrates from his own experience driving wagons of wool for hundreds of miles alone with teams of 10 oxen. This is a great first hand account.

Item #2bcan. Price: $16.30 Unavailable

Ray Ludwig plowing with oxen.

The Pride and Joy of Working Cattle by Ray Ludwig, 1995
Book, 53 pages

Ray has earned a reputation as one of America's best ox trainers.  He describes some of his most successful techniques, including the art of making effective ox-goads.  Ray's 4-H students have won many New England ox handling contests based on his wise advice.

Item #2blud. Price: $25

In Praise of Oxen

In Praise of Oxen by Terry James & F. Anderson, 1992
Book, 106 pages

Terry James shot photos to inspire admination for oxen and their colorful teamsters.  With large full color photos of Canadian teams on nearly every page, this book is great for showing to your friends.  It is not a how-to book, but a work of art!  If it does not convince you to buy a team, it will at least add Nova Scotia to your list of places to visit.

Item # 2bjam. Price: $28

Training Young Steers by Marcia Keith, 1992
TechGuide, 8 pages

This nicely illustrated paper describes the use of the training ring for teaching calves to work to voice commands without their becoming dependent on halter/lead lines. Since it was written, we have found that the ring is less important when training younger calves from two to four months of age. It does, however, become more useful in training animals over six months of age. Marcia's clean descriptions of initial training exercises are helpful whether you use the ring or not. rjr

Item #2gyst. Price: $2.50

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Selecting and Teaming Oxen by Drew Conroy and Peter Rice, 1992
TechGuide, 10 pages

This paper explains considerations of use, temperament, breed, conformation, and parentage which can help you select and pair a well matched team of steers. --rjr

Item #2gsel. Price: $2.50

Estimating Tillage Draft by Tim Harrigan, 2001
TechGuide, 6 pages

Well-conditioned oxen are capable of working draft loads measured as tension (pounds-force, lbf) equal to 10-12% of their body weight throughout the day, and greater loads for short periods of time. This bulletin provides a range of normal draft requirements for commonly used tillage implements. This information can help the teamster plan fieldwork, match implements with the power available, and establish realistic guidelines for animal performance. --rjr

Item #2g-211. Price: $2.00

Estimating Wagon Draft by Tim Harrigan, 2001
TechGuide, 6 pages

The ability to estimate wagon draft is important in working draft animals. A well-matched wagon and team allow efficient use of time for fieldwork. In training, young animals can become discouraged if forced to draw too heavy a load. Mature animals may also refuse to pull their best if frequently confronted with a heavy draft load they are unprepared for or cannot move. The purpose of this paper is to help you estimate the draft loads created by wagons with steel and pneumatic tires. Measurements of draft as tension (pounds-force, lbf) in the towing chain were made while pulling wagons over a range of tractive surfaces. --rjr

Item #2g-213. Price: $2.00

Estimating Logging Draft by Tim Harrigan, 2001
TechGuide, 6 pages

Most teamsters enjoy working in a wood lot. Logging provides firewood for the teamster, exercise for the team, and is a great activity for training draft animals as they maneuver loads in a wide range of conditions. Estimating logging draft requires a knowledge of the weight of logs and an understanding of how logging tools and implements can influence draft. --rjr

Item #2g-212. Price: $2.00

Video Tapes

Basic Training of Oxen by Drew Conroy
Video, 43 min

This video is the next best thing to taking a calf training class at Tillers. Drew walks viewers through the sequence of training activities. While the calves starring in this tape were already trained, the tape still gives a good sense of the process and what you should expect from the calves. --rjr

Item #2vcon. Price: $37

Horse & Mule Progress Days, 1997 or 1998 by Sam Moore
Video, 90 min

This tape features equipment and breeds that were demonstrated at Horse Progress Days. This annual horse-drawn farming trade show is organized by the American Draft Horse Association and by the Amish implement manufacturing community to inform guests of the available horses and equipment.  Sam Moore shows forecarts, plows, cultivators, planters, spreaders, mowers, rakes, tedders, balers, rope eveners, and teams of up to 12 animals plowing with a 4-bottom plow.  In additon to Sam's informative explanations of the implements and how they work, the video work is great.  This is a good way to learn about the options available to today's draft animal farmer.  (Don't miss a glimpse of Tillers' Lewis and Clark demonstrating Pioneer's new walking plow!)

Item #2vmo7. Price: $33 (American NTSC Format) or $40 (European PAL Format)

Please indicate desired year of video.

In Search of the Oregon Trail
by Nebraska Educational Television & the Oregon Historical Society, 1996
Video, 3 hours, 2 tapes

Oxen are strongly associated with the Oregon Trail. This tape will provide plenty of solid historical perspective on the role of oxen on the Trail.  It features a two span hitch of oxen from Tillers, shot in Kansas, at the beginning of the tape. You will appreciate the beauty and expanse of the journey to the Northwest much more after seeing this.  The documentary was aired on PBS in April of 1996. --rjr

Item #2vneb. Price: $40

visit the PBS website (www.pbs.org/oregontrail/index.html) for an excellent resource guide.