The rise of Modern Draft Animal Power in America

The modern process of growing food has evolved in the last hundred years. While technology has enabled rapid scaling of food production, it has also led to a decline in food quality and distanced producers from the land and damages the land.

But an ever-growing number of small-scale, sustainable farmers across North America are turning to animal traction to rebuild their connection to nature and heal their land by working with draft animals.

Draft animals (oxen, draft horses, mules and donkeys) provide clean, renewable energy, and their value increases with training. They enhance soil health and land efficiency, while supporting biodiversity. Community is essential to safe utilization of draft power. But the primary motivation for most teamsters is the symbiotic relationship of working the land; stepping into the human-animal partnership which requires one to be present and aware.

My ongoing personal project focuses on teamsters—professionals who work with draft animals in agriculture and silviculture. Illustrating the choice to use animal power for environmental, ethical, social and personal reasons, the community and lifestyle which this entails.

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