The new horse-powered farm : tools and systems for the small-scale, sustainable market grower / Stephen Leslie ; foreword by Lynn Miller.
Material type:
TextPublication details: White River Junction, VT : Chelsea Green Pub., c2013.Description: xvi, 346 p. : col. ill. ; 25 cmISBN: - 1603584161 (pbk.)
- 160358417X (ebook)
- 9781603584166 (pbk.)
- 9781603584173 (ebook)
| Item type | Home library | Collection | Call number | Materials specified | Status | Date due | Barcode | Item holds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adult Book
|
Main Library | NonFiction | 636.15 L637 | Available | 33111007109966 |
Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:
In an era when fuel is a primary concern, draft horses are seen by many as the solution to small-scale, resilient farming with a closed-loop system. Horses bring farmers back to the roots of what it means to work the land and present a viable model for a small farm that lasts, while offering enjoyment for the whole family. This is the first book of its kind, offering wisdom and techniques for using horse power on the small farm or homestead, from longtime horse farmer Stephen Leslie.
The New Horse-Powered Farm sets the stage for incorporating draft power on the farm by presenting tips on getting started with horses, care of the work horse, different horse-training systems, and the merits of different draft breeds. The novice teamster is introduced to the basic tools of horse-drawn tillage and cultivation used for profitable horse-powered farming, with a spotlight on whole-farm management, as well as information on haying with horses, raising small grains, managing the woodlot, farm education, agritourism, and more.
Incorporated throughout are profiles of more than a half-dozen farms that epitomize some exciting new trends in agriculture and highlight the new and old horse-drawn equipment used for profitable market gardening, including contributions directly from the farmers about what works and what doesn't. The novice teamster is introduced to the specifics of horse-drawn tillage and cultivation of the market garden, and using horses in the woodland. Recent studies on the economics of horse-powered market gardening and a comparison between horse-, human-, and tractor-powered systems have been included to help round out the picture. The resources section lists contact info for teamster schools, books, draft-animal publications, annual events, equipment manufacturers, parts and repairs, and more. A must-have for any farmer, homesteader, or teamster seeking to work with draft power in a closed-loop farming system.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Getting started -- The draft horse breeds -- Care of the workhorse -- Working with your horse -- Training the teamster -- Training horses for the farm -- Working with horses on the farm -- Farm fertility -- Hands to the plow -- Fitting the soil -- Seeding -- Additional infrastructure for the horse-powered farm -- Horse-powered vegetable production -- Cultivation systems for single horses and teams -- Harvesting with horses -- Hay making and pasture management -- Additional uses of horses on the farm -- The economics of the small horse-powered farm.
The New Horse-Powered Farm is the first book of its kind, offering wisdom and techniques for using horse power on the small farm or homestead. It sets the stage for incorporating draft power on the farm by presenting necessary information for experienced and novice teamsters alike, including getting started with workhorses; the merits of different draft breeds; various training systems for the horse and teamster; haying with horses, seeding crops, and raising small grains; in-depth coverage of tools and systems; and managing a woodlot, farm economics, education, agritourism, and more. It's a must-have resource for any farmer, homesteader, or teamster seeking to work with draft power in a closed-loop farming system.