farmers going back to plowing with mules

**anna021** · 05-22-2008, 07:08 PM

I just caught the end of the story, but I believe it was down south that farmers have begun to use mules for plowing like back in the day, trying to save on fuel.
So you see the American spirit can not be kept down for very long, we will find a way. Maybe back to a simpler time is exactly what is needed. What is your thoughts?

**dolphin** · 05-22-2008, 07:29 PM

I remember plowing the garden using a plow and a mule. It was hard and the rows weren't very straight but it did the job. I imagine we will be going back to a lot of our older ways before this is over.

**sunshine** · 05-22-2008, 07:37 PM

Why not? No gas expenses, free fertilizer, and so forth -- you'd actually not need to grow as much, to net the same amount.

**Nishu** · 05-22-2008, 07:40 PM

I read the article. It was one farmer.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php...show_article=1

I can see it working for very small farms, hobby farms and such... but anyone else I just don't see it happening, imo.

**FrugalWitch** · 05-22-2008, 11:26 PM

My granddaddy plowed with mules clean up to 1966. (I was too young to remember but there are pictures of me as a baby with the mules) Of course they have to be fed so you have to factor in the feed costs and shelter for them. For a small family farm I see nothing wrong with it.

Maybe kids need to learn "gee" and "haw" instead of "shout out to my home boyz"

**trishh** · 05-23-2008, 12:20 AM

My hubby said he knew that people would go back to horse teams. and mules. He said he was thinking of buying a horse and rig to go to town in. I just can't imagine me in although.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 05-23-2008, 07:09 AM

Want to see how well mules and horse do on farms visit any Amish or Old Order Mennonite commuity. My pen pal in Ohio has over 100 acres that they farm with draft horses. Her husband pointed out another thing about working the land with animals vs machine is ground compaction. After years and years of the weight of tractor the ground gets more compact harder for the seeds to root. Whereas ground plowed by horses is looser. Also ground that is fertilized with the barn cleanings vs commercial stuff is richer in good things like worms, minerals, etc. They rotate crops of corn, wheat and rye. Not to mention the wonderful sight of him plowing with the horses.

Laurie in Bradenton

**Holly** · 05-23-2008, 07:35 AM

One drawback is they have to be able to
revert their plows to ones that can be drawn behing horses or mules.
Most farmers here don't have mules or horses and couldn't afford to buy them anymore than they can afford gas.
I wish you all could realize how bad a time the dairy farmers are having . You think your having it bad with buying groceries and gas you should
see the farmers. ( they only good thing is they can garden.)
We have a lot of amish farms around
this area , but most farmers are not set up where they can do this.

**hwmabire3** · 05-23-2008, 08:05 AM

This story made me happy. Of course, I sort of have an obsession with the Amish or "Little House on the Prairie" way of living. My only concern is that the animals are treated properly. If they are given adequate food, shelter, and medical care, and they are not abused in any way, I say go right ahead!

**annymoll** · 05-23-2008, 08:58 AM

I think it would be great for smaller farms, but difficult for some of the large scale operations.

**Kitchen Mama** · 05-23-2008, 02:13 PM

Maybe the large scale operations are part of the problem/ The Amish around where I live do all theirs with horses and the animals are treated very well.

**heartofmine** · 05-23-2008, 02:56 PM

My bil and my husband's uncle have never stopped plowing with mules. They put out huge gardens every year and sell the produce. People will stop and watch them plow. They have had many a picture taken and have been in the local news paper a number of times. The animals are very very well cared for. My husband's uncle loves those old mules. My bil's little granddaugter loves feeding them too. She's only 7 and will work for hours picking up acorns and other things they'll eat.