LITERATURE
From: Hare Krsna dasi (Brunswick, Maine -
USA) Hare.Krsna.dasi@bbt.se
Sent: 14 May 1999 23:54
Subject: [Fwd: Small Farm Grain Storage]
[Text 2318252 from COM]
Author: Druben, Laurel; Lindblad, Carl
Title: Small Farm Grain Storage
Publisher: Volunteers in Technical Assistance,
Publ. Date: 1990
ISBN FIELDS-
ISBN: 0685459217
Binding: Trade Cloth
Language: English
Status: Active Record
PRICE FIELDS-
Currency: US Dollars
Price: 18.00
Price Type: Retail Price
Product Code: Science & Technical
Subject(s): GRAIN - STORAGE
From: Hare Krsna dasi (Brunswick, Maine - USA)
Hare.Krsna.dasi@bbt.se
Sent: 29 May 1999 01:16
Subject: Farming Book Titles
[Text 2355530 from COM]
[I have added the cow conference to this list as a blind copy, so they will
not be burdened with any further discussion on this line -- in case we stray
off topic, as we occasionally do >:-) ]
For several years, I have been looking for something called an Acres USA
Fieldcrop Primer. I finally found the title, now called *Eco-Farm -- And
Acres U.S.A. Primer* as well as a number of other titles in the latest Acres
USA Catalog. I've given below the descriptions for the 5 featured titles -
which I have not yet read myself. (I have read some of the other titles,
which is why I included them.) On one hand, these books are probably geared
somewhat toward commercial agriculture, so some of the suggestions may
involve a scale of mechanization which we might not want to undertake, but
on the other hand, organic farming often tends to be smaller scale than
other farming, even when it is commercially developed, so I would expect
many useful ideas to be found here. **If any devotees have read any of these
titles, please comment on them.** I got the ISBN numbers for the first 5
titles from Books in Print, so I'm not positive they are correct - might be
a different edition.
Acres U.S.A. is the publisher of the monthly organic farming journal *Acres
U.S.A.*
P.O. Box 8800
Metairie LA 70011 USA
To order the journal or get a full catalog of listings or to order books
write them above, or
in US call 1-800-355-5313 outside: 504-889-2100 FAX 504-889-2777
Here are the descriptions from the catalog:
*******************************
THE NON-TOXIC FARMING HANDBOOK *New*
by Phillip A. Wheeler, Ph.D. & Ronald B. Ward
"It's not an overstatement to say that this handbook represents the future
of farming."
Farmers, growers, and serious gardeners around the; world are discovering
that the toxic methods taught for the past 50 years do not work. By
sledge-hammering nature into submission, every problem solved brings on new
problems. Attacking these with another toxic treatment further stresses the
balance of nature, bringing on a new set of difficulties. But the answer for
modern growers is not to turn back the hands of time, but to move forward to
a higher level of understanding. Ward and Wheeler provide that
understanding.
In this readable, easy-to-understand handbook the authors explain:
* What's wrong with conventional agriculture
* Weeds - their role in nature and control
* Insects - why they attack crops and how to stop them
* Soil testing and analysis - and acting upon the results
* On-farm methods of soil and plant tissue testing
* Soil fertility and fertilizers
* pH, lime, N, P & K, and other major and minor nutrients
* Working with foliar feeds to maximize crop health and production
The authors successfully integrate the diverse techniques and technologies
of classical organic farming, Albrecht-style fertility balancing,
Reams-method soil and plant testing and analysis, and other alternative
technologies. By understanding all the of available non-toxic tools and when
they are effective, you will be able to react to your specific situation and
growing conditions. The result will be ever-improving soil fertility, healty
crops that provide their own insect and disease resistance, fields without
the curse of weeds, and the satisfaction taht you are a true steward of the
land.
Acres U.S.A. # 6339 [ISBN?? 0911311564] paperback 236 pages - $25.00
******************
ECO-FARM - AN ACRES U.S.A. PRIMER
by Charles Walters & C.J. Fenzau
With a new title and a cover facelift, the classic book on ecological
agriculture is once again available. If you've never read *An Acres U.S.A.
Primer*, you're missing out. If you would like extra copies for friends or
business associates, now you can present them with the deluxe, hardback
edition. In this book, eco-agriculture is explained - from the tiniest
molecular building blocks to managing the soil - in terminology that not
only makes the subject easy to learn, but vibrantly alive. *Eco-Farm* truly
delivers a complete education in soils, crops, and weed and insect control.
This should be the first book read by everyone beginning in
eco-agriculture... and the most shop-worn book on the shelf of the most
experienced.
Acres U.S.A. # 122 [ISBN?? 0911311505] paperback 450 pages - $25.00
#122-H (Limited availability, deluxe hardcover edition) 450 pages - $35.00
**********************
HANDS-ON AGRONOMY
by Neal Kinsey & Charles Walters
The soil is more than just a substrate that anchors crops in place. An
ecologically balanced soil system is essential for maintaining healthy
crops. This is a comprehensive manual on soil management. The "whats and
whys" of micronutrients, earthworms, soil drainage, tilth, soil structure
and organic matter are explained in detail. Kinsey shows us how working with
the soil produces healthier crops with a higher yield. True hands-on advice
that consultants charge thousand for every day. Updated, revised edition.
Acres U.S.A. #4120 [ISBN?? 0911311599] paperback 340 pages - $24.00
*********************
WEEDS, CONTROL WITHOUT POISONS
by Charles Walters, Jr.
Charles Walters, founder and longtime editor of *Acres U.S.A.*, has revised
and expanded his now classic text on the secrets that weeds reveal to us
about our soil. For a thorough understanding of the conditions that produce
certain weeds, you simply can[`t find a better source than this one -
certainly not one as entertaining, as full of anecdotes [stories] and
home-spun common sense. The book is a treasury of knowledge, exploring the
workings of soil eco-systems through the findings of such giants as William
A. Albrecht, C.J. Fenzau and Philip S. Callahan. It contains a lifetime of
collected wisdom that teaches us how to understand and thereby control the
growth of countless weed species, as well as why there is an absolute
necessity for a more holistic, eco-centered perspective in agriculture
today. In *Weeds, Control without Poisons*, Walters explains what fifty
years of deadly chemicals have done to our soils and our bodies,
demonstrating once and for all that the stuff simply doesn't work in any
long-term, common-sense agricultural system. He goes on to tell us what will
work, and he tells it with precision and clarity in a book as full of human
warmth as sound soil science.
Contains specifics on a hundred weeds, why they grow, what soil conditions
spur them on or stop them, what they say about your soil, and how to control
them without the obscene presence of poisons. One reader told us that one
sentence alone in the blockbuster book saved him $50,000 in one year. New
updated edition covers even more weeds, all cross-referenced by scientific
and various common names, and a new pictoral glossary. This is a book for
anyone who's serious about understanding soil biology, plant physiology, and
the intricacies of weed control.
Acres U.S.A. #4005 [ISBN??? 0911311580] paperback 352 pages - $25.00
***********************
THE SECRET LIFE OF COMPOST
by Malcolm Beck with commentary by Charles Walters
We don't need to poison the earth in order to grow better food, and what is
harmful to the environment when improperly disposed of often can be turned
back to the soil in a beneficial way through composting - if you know how.
Her's how. Malcolm Beck's Garden-Ville, a large-scale commercial composting
operation in central Texas, is one of the largest of its kind. Now he shares
his insight into the processes of decay that can transform everything from
lawn trimmings to sewer sludge into life-giving earth. Bring out the best in
a small, backyard garden. Increase the production while lowering the inputs
on a huge row-crop operation. Found your own commercial composting business.
Whatever your purpose of learning to compost, you will find the information
you need right here. Couples with Beck's insight into nature and practical
advice are remarks from Charles Walters, founder of Acres U.S.A.
Acres U.S.A. #6232 [ISBN??? 0911311521] paperback 160 pages - 19.00
******************
ECO-AG Library Starter SPECIAL:
Five books:
*The Non-Toxic Farming Handbook*
*Eco-Farm, An Acres U.S.A. Primer*
*Hands-On Agronomy*
*Weeds, Control without Poisons*
* The Secret Life of Compost*
Regularly $118 ---- Acres #S-154 $99.00
************************
Other titles:
*The Enlivened Rock Powders* by Harvey Lisle 208 pp #6103 $15.00
*The Carbon Cycle* by Leonard Ridzon with Charles Walters 143 pp #4188
$15.00
*Metrofarm* by Michael Olson [how to farm in the city, and how city dwellers
are farming around the world] 576 pp #6079 $30.00
*The New Organic Farmer* by Eliot Coleman 270 pp #3066 $25.00
*Preventing Deer Damage* by Robert G. Juhre 55 pp #6329 $8.50
*Introduction to Permaculture* by Bill Mollison with Reny Mia Slay 213 pp
#6212 $20.00
*Permaculture in a Nutshell* by Patrick Whitefield [includes temperate
climates and urban environments] 96 pp #6381 $10.00
*How to Make a Forest Garden* by Patrick Whitefield 168 pp #6246 $30.00
*The Soul of Soil: A Guide to Ecological Soil Management, Third Edition* by
Grace Gershany & Joseph Smillie 174 pp #6174 $17.00
#SPANISH# *Crecimiento de Alga y Planta* T.L. Senn, PhD 202 paginas # 6238
$14.00
#SPANISH# *Cultivo Biointensivo de Alimentos* John Jeavons 208 paginas #6239
$17.00
*Managing Cover Crops Profitably* 114 pp #6180 $19.00
*Garden Seed Inventory* by the Seed Savers Exchange [directory to open
pollinated seeds, info on where to order 6,438 standard vegetables] 632 pp
#6316 $24.00
*Sustainable Agriculture: Directory of Expertise* Third Edition, Sustainable
Agriculture Network 723 entries, 1000 individuals, 200 organizations in USA
220 pp #6231 $19.00
*The Apple Grower* Michael Phillips "Best book on the topic" 242 pages #6338
$35.00
*Greener Pastures on Your Side of the Fence* Bill Murphy [rotational
grazing] 379 pages #136 $30.00
*Chicken Tractor* Andy Lee [A chicken tractor is a bottomless, portable
shelter-pen that fits over your garden beds. Chickens eliminate bugs and
weeds while fertilizing garden. Devotees will be interested in the
vegetarian aspects only] 230 pp #6165 $20.00
*The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable* Juliette de Bairacli Levi
471 pp #6317 $22.00
*Turning Wool into a Cottage Industry* Paula Simmons 188 pp #6137 $15.00
*Treatment of Horses by Acupuncture* Dr. Erwin Westermayer 40 pages #6099
$25.00
*The New Organic Grower's Four-Season Harvest* Eliot Coleman [from Maine]
300 pages #4081 $25.00
*Hydroponic Home Food Gardens* Howard M. Resh, PhD 158 pp #6083 $13.00
*Hydroponic Gardening* Raymond Birdwell 216 pp #6182 $13.00
*Raising with the Moon* Jack R. Pyle & Taylor Reese 147 pp #4139 $14.00
*Seed to Seed* Suzanne Ashworth 222pp #6310 $20.00
*Carrots Love Tomatoes: The Secrets of Companion Planting* Louise Riotte 219
pp #6207 $15.00
***********************************
That's all for now. It would be good to get some feedback from those of you
who have read these books.
your servant,
Hare Krsna dasi
From: Hare Krsna dasi (Brunswick, Maine - USA)
Hare.Krsna.dasi@bbt.se
Sent: 03 June 1999 16:42
Subject: [Fwd: FW: Agricultural Library Publishes Guide to Animal Handling]
[Text 2379192 from COM]
STORY LEAD:
National Agricultural Library Publishes Guide to Animal Handling, Transport
-----------
ARS News Service Agricultural Research Service, USDA
May 7, 1999
Linda McGraw, (309) 681-6530,
lmcgraw@asrr.arsusda.gov
-----------
A current guide to the "do's and don'ts" of transporting and handling farm
animals is now available from USDA's National Agricultural Library.
The new publication, "Information Resources for Livestock and Poultry
Handling and Transport," 1990-1998, provides access to scientific, training
and organizational resources for farmers, livestock and poultry producers,
researchers, animal caretakers and other animal handlers. The publication is
available from NAL's Animal Welfare Information Center.
The publication contains bibliographic citations, audiovisuals, governmental
and institutional guidelines, Internet resources, and expertise from
individuals and organizations. A special section lists organizations
concerned with livestock transport and handling issues. Information is
provided on how to contact each organization either via electronic means or
postal address and a brief summary of the resources and services each
organization offers.
Preceding the bibliography is the article, "Assessment of Stress During
Handling and Transport," by Temple Grandin, Ph.D., from Colorado State
University. Dr. Grandin is a recognized authority in the field of livestock
handling.
Copies of the publication are available free of charge while supplies last
by contacting the Animal Welfare Information Center, National Agricultural
Library, 10301 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705-2351, telephone (301)
504-6212, fax (301) 504-7125, e- mail
awic@nal.usda.gov
NAL is part of the Agricultural Research Service, USDA's chief research
agency. NAL is the largest agricultural library in the world and one of four
national libraries in the United States, along with the Library of Congress,
the National Library of Medicine and the National Library of Education.
----------
Contact: Brian Norris, ARS National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, Md.,
phone (301) 504-6778, fax (301) 504-5472,
bnorris@nal.usda.gov
----------
This item is one of the news releases and story leads that ARS Information
distributes on weekdays to fax and e-mail subscribers. You can also get the
latest ARS news on the World Wide Web at
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/thelatest.htm
* Feedback and questions to ARS News Service via e-mail:
isnv@ars-grin.gov
* ARS Information Staff, 5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 1-2251, Beltsville MD
20705-5128, (301) 504-1617, fax 504-1648.
All messages to sanet-mg are archived at:
http://www.sare.org/san/htdocs/hypermail
**********************************************************************
Richard Fowler
East Coast Co-ordinator
Farming Systems Research & Technology Transfer
Grain Crops Institute : Agricultural Research Council
P/bag X 9059 PIETERMARITZBURG 3200 SOUTH AFRICA
PHONE: 27 (0) 331 3559410 (alternative 3559409)
FAX: 27 (0) 331 3559518 (alternative 434281)
E-mail: rfowler@cedara1.agric.za
**********************************************************************
From: Hare Krsna dasi (Brunswick, Maine - USA)
Hare.Krsna.dasi@bbt.se
Sent: 03 June 1999 20:48
Subject: Farm & Self-sufficiency Library
[Text 2371059 from COM]
I received the following text from Bhadranga prabhu from the Radhadesh
community. It's a commentary on some of the books we have mentioned in the
past, and also information on new titles.
Although he was initially too humble to post the list, I convinced him that
it was too valuable for me only. I hope the devotees will find more helpful
information for building their community self-sufficiency library.
your servant,
Hare Krsna dasi
------------------------------
[Text 2357280 from COM]
Dear Hare Krsna prabhu,
I just wanted to thank you again for all the inspiration you always give us
trough your good articles and commonsense Krsna conscious comments on the
various issues of self sufficiency etc.
In the Apocalypse conference you where asking that if any of the members
have read some of the books by you mentioned you appreciated some
comments/reviews.
While I'm not ready to write extensively on the books I read , and neither
I'm able or ready to post it on the conference I simply wanted to tell you
I'm very happy with the titles you previously suggested me and did quite
some shopping trough WWW.Amazon.com
These books are really an inspiration I started my first garden in my
lifetime this year and it is an exciting experience and very satisfying.
More devotees families (about 5) started their own garden (for the first
time in their life time) on the temple land here in Radhadesh with the
blessing from the temple management. Even the pujaries.
Basically we will give some of the produce to the temple kitchen as a
payment in exchange of the free land to use, moreover self reliance is
encourage and many of us are endeavoring for more independence from the
weekly shopping.
Almost every household has bought extra items for surviving the probable
troubles ahead, from grains, to rice, dhals, seeds, garden tools etc. The
temple too has invested in many items never previously thought of, including
oxen or horse pulled farm machines, (the oxen will come later we hope)
While we are far from self sufficiency we remain hopeful and willing to
achieve it as soon as possible, in that sense Y2K was a blessing for this
place at least.
I'm sharing my books with the other families and the mood is of great
cooperation and friendship.
Here is a list of books I have now in my possession or are comming soon:
1 copy of "Making the Best of Basics: Family Preparedness Handbook" James
Talmage Stevens; Paperback; $15.96 each
This is OK for learning how to store and calculate foods needs. I Read most
of it.
1 copy of "The Y2K Personal Survival Guide : Everything You Need to Know to
Get from This Side of the Crisis to the Other" Michael S. Hyatt; Hardcover;
@ $19.25 each
This is a Y2K book but gives very good practical advice and a clear picture
of what to expect and how to best prepare. Can be useful for other
emergencies as well. I read it all
1 copy of "The Encyclopedia of Country Living : An Old Fashioned Recipe
Book" Carla Emery; Paperback; @ $22.36 each
A must have full of very down to earth example and how to advice. Even if
the non vegetarian part is taken of it's worth its money. I Read most of it.
1 copy of "Successful Small-Scale Farming : An Organic Approach" Karl
Schwenke, Ben Watson (Editor); Paperback; @ $11.96 each
Nice and inspiring ,I read only some till now.
1 copy of "The Diary of an Early American Boy" Eric Sloane; Paperback; @
$6.36 each
I read it all inspiring example of how it was done back then.
1 copy of "The Contrary Farmer" Gene Logsdon; Paperback; @ $13.56 each
I read it all, very straightforward and inspiring, I felt challenged in my
city folk lifestyle.
1 copy of "The Family Cow" Dirk. Van Loon; Paperback; @ $11.96 each
I only read some of it, till now but would buy it anyway.
1 copy of "Root Cellaring : Natural Cold Storage of Fruits and Vegetables"
Mike Bubel, et al; Paperback;
$11.96 each I only started to look at it and I would buy it again if needed
1 copy of "Five Acres and Independence : A Handbook for Small Farm
Management" Maurice Grenville Kains, et al; Paperback; @ $6.36 each
Good book I only started to read last week
1 copy of "Foxfire 6" Eliot Wigginton(Editor), Eliot Willington; Paperback;
@ $12.76 each
Not yet arrived
1 copy of "Square Foot Gardening : A New Way to Garden in Less Space With
Less Work" Mel Bartholomew; Paperback; @ $13.56 each (Usually ships in 24
hours)
My wife swear by it we did our garden following this book in combination
with the following one.
1 copy of "Four-Season Harvest : How to Harvest Fresh Organic Vegetables
from Your Home Garden All Year Long" Eliot Coleman, et al; Paperback; @
$15.96 each
A must have for gardeners we read all of it, recommended.
1 copy of "Rodale's All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening : The
Indispensable Resource for Every Gardener" Barbara W. Ellis(Contributor),
Fern M. Bradley (Editor); Hardcover; @ $20.97 each
Good reference book did not use it much yet but we are happy to own it.
1 copy of "Seed to Seed" Suzanne Ashworth, David Cavagnaro (Photographer);
Paperback; @ $16.00 each
IDEM
1 copy of "Saving Seeds : The Gardener's Guide to Growing and Storing
Vegetable and Flower Seeds" Marc Rogers, et al; Paperback; @ $10.36 each
IDEM
1 copy of "Handy Farm Devices and How to Make Them" Rolfe Cobleigh;
Paperback; @ $10.36 each
Nice lots of ideas I read it all.
1 copy of "Village Technology Handbook" ; Paperback; @ $14.95 each
Rare to find very uselfull for a small community like ours if Y2K strikes
1 copy of "The Humanure Handbook : A Guide to Composting Human Manure"
Joseph C. Jenkins; Paperback; @ $15.20 each
Idem I did not read much of it yet
1 copy of "Foxfire 4 : Fiddle Making, Springouses, Horse Trading, Sassafras
Tea, Berry Buckets, Gardening, and Further Affairs of Plain Living" Eliot
Wiggington(Editor), Eliot Wigginton (Editor); Paperback; @ $12.76 each
Coming..
1 copy of "Foxfire 5 : Ironmaking, Blacksmithing, Flintlock Rifles, Bear
Hunting, and Other Affairs of Plain Living" Eliot Wigginton(Editor);
Paperback; @ $12.76 each
Coming...
1 copy of "The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook" Kathleen
Handal M.D., et al; Paperback; @ $14.36 each
The best there is for lay people like us. Looks good and understandable
1 copy of "Where There Is No Dentist" Murray Dickson; Paperback; @ $9.85
each
Probably useful if Y2K strikes read some of it seems OK
1 copy of "Where There Is No Doctor : A Village Health Care Handbook" David
Werner, et al; Paperback; $17.00 each
1 copy of "Where There Is No Dentist" Murray Dickson; Paperback; @ $9.85
each
Idem it is a good book if and when medicare is not available, I read some of
it seems good.
1 copy of "THE GREEN PHARMACY" James A. Duke, et al; Hardcover; @ $20.97
each
Nice I would by it again I read some of it, 3 other devotees also bought it.
1 copy of "The Independent Home : Living Well With Power from the Sun, Wind,
and Water (A Real Goods Independent Living Book)" Michael Potts, John
Schaeffer (Designer); Paperback; @ $15.96 each
Not very useful, mostly inspirational many ideas. I read a good part (some
nice stories)
1 copy of "How to Live Without Electricity -- And Like It" Anita
Evangelista; Paperback; @ $13.95 each
Nice challenging ideas and example on how to live without the power grid. I
read it all
1 of "Bugs, Slugs & Other Thugs : Controlling Garden Pests Organically"
Rhonda Massingham Hart Item #: 0882666649
No idea Coming soon
1 of "Rodale's Complete Garden Problem Solver : Instant Answers to the Most
Common Gardening Questions"
Delilah Smittle(Editor), et al Item #: 0875967744
Coming soon
1 of "The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control
: A Complete Problem-Solving Guide to Keeping Your Garden & Yard Healthy
without" Barbara W. Ellis(Editor), et al Item #: 0875967531
Coming soon
1 copy of "The Complete Book of Herbs" Lesley Bremness; Paperback; @ $15.96
each
Coming soon
1 copy of "Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs" Claire
Kowalchik(Editor), et al; Paperback; @ $14.36 each
Coming soon
1 copy of "Back to Basics : How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American
Skills" ; Hardcover; @ $21.00 each
Coming soon
Traditional Woodland crafts by Rahymond Tabor
Good book very useful I recommend it.
How to make a forest garden by Patrick Whitefield
Did not look at it yet.
Food for Free by Richard Mabey
Kind of nice small
Protecting Cows by Syamasundara dasa )Stuar Coyle.
You know it better
Forest Farming by J Sholto Douglas and Robert A de J Hart
No idea did not look at it yet
The lost science of organic cultivation by S.A. Howard (Krsna das)
Made by ISKCON devotee.
The complete book of self sufficiency by an Irish fellow some old classic
nice pictures and good made but too much non vegetarian for me, still
useful.
I feel very happy with my shopping (even though costed me a small fortune)
and problably will get some more books as I get the time and money.
Thank you again and I'm waiting for your books if you ever get a chance to
write them.
Hare krsna
Your servant Bhadranga dasa
From: Hare Krsna dasi (Brunswick, Maine - USA)
Hare.Krsna.dasi@bbt.se
Sent: 15 October 1999 20:28
Subject: Drew Conroy: *OXEN - A TEAMSTER'S GUIDE*
[Text 2703607 from COM]
I thought the devotees on these conferences would be interested to know that
Drew Conroy, one of the world's foremost expert on ox training has a new
book at the publishers: *Oxen - A Teamster's Guide* - 360 pages, $29.95
(includes
shipping within the US)
Which will shortly be available from:
Doug Butler Enterprises
PO Box 1390
LaPorte CO 80535
Phone: 1-800-728-3826 (within the US)
970-482-7518 (outside US)
FAX: 970-493-7251
Doug Butler is a tiny, tiny publisher in Colorado which has neither e-mail
or website, but they publish many books and videos about ox power and horse
power, farrier's trade (how to trim hooves), etc.
They are advertising the book as "the most complete and definitive book
available today on training and working oxen," which I am sure it is. Some
of this is geared toward competition at agricultural fairs, so not
everything will be of interest to us, but Drew Conroy is such a seasoned
expert, with extensive international experience on the subject, that this
book is bound to have much of interest to all of us. [At the end of this
post, I include excerpts from his article which I posted back in June.]
Here's the table of contents:
Foreword by Dick Roosenberg (Director of Tillers International ox power
school,
Kalamazoo, Michigan)
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Selecting the Ideal Team
2. Housing Your Oxen
3. Feeding Your Oxen
4. Principles of Training
5. Training Steers ["steers" is the New England term for oxen less than 2
years old]
6. Advanced Training
7. Training Mature Cattle
8. Yoke Styles
9. Making a Neck Yoke and Bows
10. Hitching Options
11. Oxen in Agriculture
12. Logging with Oxen
13. Working Oxen in Public
14. Competing with Oxen
15. Keeping Oxen Healthy
16. Hoof Care
17. The Problem Team
18. Oxen in History
19. International Development
Glossary of Ox Terms
Bibliography****
Resources****
Index
Andrew "Drew" Conroy has trained and worked oxen since the age of 13. As a
junior in college he wrote his first book, The Oxen Handbook. Drew and his
oxen regularly compete at New England fairs and field days, ahve been
featured in numerous magazine articles, and appeared in two films, *The
Crucible* and *In Search of the Oregon Trail.* Drew is a frequent guest
instructor at Tillters International and his advice is frequently sought by
4-H groups, museums, hobby ox trainers, and international audiences. His
recent adventures with oxen have taken him to Africa four times, where his
Ph.D degree has led him to work with the Massai of Tanzania collecting data
on their adoption of oxen technology. Drew teaches Dairy Science at the
Thompson School of Applied Science, University of New Hampshire, Durham. He
is a prolific writer on the subject of oxen, and is a regular contributor to
*Rural Heritage* magazine. Drew raises cattle and trains oxen at Oxwood Farm
in Berwick, Maine, where he lives with his wife Janet and son Ross.
"Few people, if any, on this planet have the knowledge and understanding of
the subject of steers and oxen to compare with that of Drew Conroy. In this
book his work in exploring the history of cattel as draft animals, their
care and training, and the pure pleasure of learning to be a teamster is
gathered into a valuable and enduring record. Anyone with the slightest
interest in this important aspect of America's agricultural heritage will
enjoy *Oxen - A Teamster's Guide."
--Stephen H. Taylor, Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Agriculture,
Markets & Foods
Noma Petroff wrote:
Drew Conroy on Ox Reins
Rural Heritage: The Evener 1999, vol 24, no. 2 p. 102
DRIVING OXEN WITH LINES
by Drew Conroy
"I am interested in driving oxen from the wagon, as you would a horse,"
writes Leo Canuel of Somerset, Massachusetts. "I have seen it done with a
nose ring, but I wonder if it can be done any other way?"...
Why do you want to drive oxen with lines? If your goal is to have a hobby
team that drives with lines, so be it.
If you want to plow and drive the team while riding in a cart, my answer
would be that half the ox teamsters in the world drive from a cart with one
person and no lines. Are you not willing or able to train your animals as
well as a 12-year-old boy in Tanzania plowing with six oxen? The key to his
success may be his need to ox-plow an entire farm. The mount of time his
animals spend in the yoke may be more substantial than you are willing to
give this endeavor.
If you want to drive with lines because you think you will get better
results, don't do it. I judge ox cart obstacle courses every summer and
fall, and I have a feeling the results of using lines would fall short of
the outstanding performances I regularly see. I have never seen a team with
lines that was as well trained as teams I have seen without lines. Most
teamsters who use lines spend a lot less time training their oxen, and a lot
more time restraining them physically, rather than psychologically. And, if
you ever log with your oxen, you'll quickly see no advantage to having lines
- I hate jumping out of the way of rolling logs.
As you can see, I am not keen on driving oxen with lines, as doing so is not
customary in New England. ***Oxen are not allowed to compete in our shows or
fairs with any type of bridle, bit, or nose rings.*** [Emphasis added.]
...Using nose rings is my least favorite method. Although nose rings offer
an effective method of control, animals that have their noses yanked on too
much become head shy and hard headed. Nose rings are a severe method of
restraining. The oxen I have seen with nose rings had little choice but to
obey.
In Uganda I saw a rope, instead of a ring, run through the nose. Many of the
oxen there learn to lie down in the yoke to resist working, a result of
having their noses yanked and of being rushed in the training.
The reason a bull is controlled with a ring is because this system of
restraint causes pain - not the best technique for working cattle. At an ox
training workshop in Missouri in 1995, I saw oxen that had been trained to
drive with nose rings. At first they seemed to go pretty well, but as the
day wore on, they became tired and despite the desires of the teamsters,
walked right through a fence while pulling a buckboard wagon...
*************************************
Drew Conroy, author of the Oxen Handbook, is one of the America's leading
experts in ox training. He teaches dairy science at the University of New
Hampshire, and conducts ox training course at Tillers International, in
Kalamazoo, Michigan. He also observes and trains African farmers in ox
training as part of Tillers' outreach program.
http://www.wmich.edu/tillers/
He is a regular contributor to *Rural Heritage.*
http://www.ruralheritage.com/
Raised in New England, he is accustomed to seeing some of the most expert ox
teamsters in the world, even on a junior level. At our local Topsham Fair, I
have seen a 16 year old girl get her team of oxen to walk sideways for about
20 feet, without even touching them. She used only voice commands in a calm
tone of voice. That was in addition to many other required maneuvers such as
having oxen turn right and left and back up into a small space. The children
are not allowed to use a rope of any kind on their teams. They must control
them with voice commands and a small stick only.
your servant,
Hare Krsna dasi
From: Harsi (das) HKS (Timisoara - RO)
Harsi.HKS@pamho.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2000 1:07 PM
Subject: Speaking About Varnasrama' - Volume 1
Your Varnasrama Book is a masterpeace, I just
finished reading it. Hope I can read your second one soon.
Please be so kind and inform us where can we find and buy the Varnasrama
Book by Hare Krsna dasi. Thank you in advance.
your servant, Paramesvari dd
Here is were you can get it.
Hope all is fine there in Yugoland, and you are happy and healthy. My
greetings also to Gunesvara prabhu.
ys, Harsi das.
From: Hayagriva (das) HKS (BLS - Belgium/Germany)
Date: 21-Jan-00 15:07
To: BLS (Bhaktivedanta Library Services)
Subject: Speaking About Varnasrama
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Maharajas & Prabhus Camp: Radhadesh / Belgium
Pamho. AgtSP!
A new Book series has been started:
Srila Prabhupada on Varnasrama and Farm Community Development:
'Speaking About Varnasrama' - Volume 1
softbound, colour cover, large size, 295 pages, Euro 18.85
a compilation by Hare Krsna-devi dasi
Back in 1992 a Farm Research Commitee was created to research Srila
Prabhupada's instructions on farming and rural community development. The
commitee relized that to research instructions on community development
meant to research Prabhupada's instructions on social development. To
research instructions on social development meant, in turn, to research
Prabhupada's instructions on varnasrama-dharma. Thus the current work was
assembled.
The series is planned to be organised as follows:
Vol 1: conversations and lectures
Vol 2: varnasrama fundamentals, brahmanas and ksatriyas (including
discussion on occupational training, land distribution, and taxation)
Vol 3: vaisyas and sudras (including discussion
on farming, cow protection, economics)
Vol 4: brahmacaris and grihasthas (including discussion
on the role of women and children)
Vol 5: vanaprasthas and sannyasis (Vol 5 will also
include a glossary and comprehensive index.)
The exchange rates to the Euro are:
(multiplied with ...)
1.03 = USD 1.63 = CHF
0.63 = GBP 170 = ESP
6.7 = FRF 205 = PTE
40.4 = BEF 8.8 = SEK
2.3 = NLG 7.6 = DKK
2.0 = DM 8.3 = NOK
14 = ATS 6.1 = FIM
Your servants at BLS
Visnu Murti Dasa, Nama Krishna Dasi, Vrndavana Krishna Dasi,
Hayagriva Dasa, Manohara das, Dharma-putra Das, & Bhaktin Mieke
Bhaktivedanta Library Services asbl.
Petite Somme 2
B-6940 Septon Durbuy
Belgium - Europe
Phone +32 86 323280
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