Old Fashioned Farming Returns

In this fuel drenched era it's nice to have our farms rely on old fashioned power. Oxen are making a big comeback on many big acreages these days. It's not only a quaint, romantic way of farming , it's also cost efficient. Oxen run plows also make for better , more organic produce.

Oxen technology is the subject of an interesting article in today's New York Times Dining section . Newcomer, Tess Taylor, has delved into this new movement (although using oxen for farming goes back to almost caveman times). An ox is actually better for a farmer than any modern tractor. They don;t require expensive diesel fuel nor do they require new parts every now and then (there are vet bills to deal with from time to time)An ox is also lighter on the land and doesn't crush the soil, preserving microbial layers. Another plus is that they leave plenty of nitrogen rich fertilizer which makes for lush plants.

Where does a farmer get oxen? From that other old and reliable source : the local dairy. Male calves are sold off dairy farms for as low as $150 for one . There are literally hundreds of them born a year thanks to cows constantly being pregnant for milk. Before getting their oxen, farmers study and even intern at historical villages to learn how to plow with a yoked team.

Using oxen is cost efficient for farmers in these cost high days. If these noble animals can save them money , then farmers can lower their prices on their produce. Old fashioned plowing is not only good for the land, but also for the consumer too.