INTRODUCTION TO DRAFT CATTLE SKILLS: WORKING DRAFT CATTLE ON THE FARM AND IN THE WOODLANDS —
January 11-12 — The Berry Center Farm and Forest Institute, New Castle, KY
This two-day intensive workshop is designed for individuals interested in learning about the history, care, and practical uses of oxen in agriculture. Participants will explore topics such as selecting and training oxen for draft work, understanding oxen behavior and communication, yoking and hitching oxen to farming equipment, basic commands and techniques for working with oxen in the field and woodlands, and overall oxen care and management. This workshop is appropriate for anyone interested in gaining basic knowledge and understanding of driving draft cattle. Cattle experience in general is helpful though not required. Whether you are fascinated by traditional farming methods or looking to incorporate oxen into your agricultural practices, this workshop will provide a solid foundation to start working effectively with these powerful and versatile animals.
Instructor: Rick Thomas. Cost: $100 https://www.berrycenterfarmandforest.org/draftanimal-1

INTRODUCTION TO DRAFT CATTLE SKILLS: WORKING DRAFT CATTLE ON THE FARM AND IN THE WOODLANDS —
January 25-26 — The Berry Center Farm and Forest Institute, New Castle, KY
This two-day intensive workshop is designed for individuals interested in learning about the history, care, and practical uses of oxen in agriculture. Participants will explore topics such as selecting and training oxen for draft work, understanding oxen behavior and communication, yoking and hitching oxen to farming equipment, basic commands and techniques for working with oxen in the field and woodlands, and overall oxen care and management. This workshop is appropriate for anyone interested in gaining basic knowledge and understanding of driving draft cattle. Cattle experience in general is helpful though not required. Whether you are fascinated by traditional farming methods or looking to incorporate oxen into your agricultural practices, this workshop will provide a solid foundation to start working effectively with these powerful and versatile animals.
Instructor: Rick Thomas. Cost: $100 https://www.berrycenterfarmandforest.org/draftanimal-1

LOGGING WITH DRAFT ANIMALS — February 21st-23rd, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
In this exceptional three-day class, low-impact techniques will be taught for safely felling trees and efficiently harvesting timber. Students will get hands on instruction in all areas of draft animal logging while using horses, oxen, and donkeys to skid logs from Tiller’s woodlot. Marketing and profitability will be emphasized throughout. This course is taught by experienced loggers who can expound on specific aspects that students would like addressed.
Instructor: Brand Ainsworth. Total Price: $600 https://tillersinternational.org/events/logging-with-draft-animals/

2025 MOWER RONDEZVOUS — March 1st and 2nd — Located at Donn’s Mower Shop located at the Northland Sheep Farm in Marathon, NY. 
We will clean up some parts, make some repairs, reassemble and tune up a #7 McD mower. We teach and learn from each other as we work together. If you have a mower that you would like to work on at this event, contact Donn (PM or email), we have room for at least a couple more.  We will have a farm dinner on Saturday night, but plan to bring something for the rest of the meals. Refrigeration is available.  The Motel Six in Polkville is the nearest place to stay.  $50 per participant. Shop is unheated so please dress accordingly. Contact Donn with any questions or to register. Find Donn on FB or email: tripletree@frontiernet.net

HARNESSING THE POWER OF MULES IN TIMBER OPERATIONS —
March 7th-9th, 2025 — The Berry Center Farm and Forest Institute,New Castle, KY
Prerequisite: Introduction to Mule Teamster Skills or permission of instructor. This three-day, hands-on introductory course is designed for individuals interested in learning how to effectively use chainsaws and draft mules for logging operations. Participants will learn essential skills: selecting and training mules for logging tasks, choosing and maintaining appropriate logging equipment, chainsaw safety and use, tree felling, understanding sustainable logging practices, safety protocols for working with mules in a logging environment, and techniques for efficiently harvesting and transporting timber using mules. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore the world of draft mule logging or an experienced logger interested in incorporating mules into your operations, this course will provide you with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to work effectively with draft mules on the home place or in the logging industry.
Instructor: Rick Thomas. Cost: $150. https://www.berrycenterfarmandforest.org/draftanimal-1

OXEN DRIVING — March 15th - 16th, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
Oxen can be an alternative to tractors and are an excellent resource on small farms or in woodlots. In this two-day class, you will learn driving techniques, terminology, and the basics of cattle behavior & psychology. Practicing with our oxen teams with input from expert instructors will build your skills & confidence while working on a variety of field tasks on Tillers’ farm. The class concentrates on driving skills, but also introduces yoking, training, and hitching techniques.
Instructor: Rob Collins. Total Price: $445. https://tillersinternational.org/events/oxen-driving/

2025 CULTIVATOR RONDEZVOUS — March 22nd and 23rd — At Donn’s Mower Shop located at the Northland Sheep Farm in Marathon, NY
We have a large collection of parts cultivators and Becky Frye of Horsetail Herb Farm and Michael Glos of Kingbird Farm will help us try to make one or two of them usable with attention to loosening stuck parts, adjusting the width of the cultivators, and preparing and attaching new tongues. We will also look at some attachments, shovels, and bridging attachments we can make for center mounted tools. We will have a farm dinner on Saturday night, but plan to bring something for the rest of the meals. Refrigeration is available. The Motel Six in Polkville is the nearest place to stay.  $50 per participant. Shop is unheated so please dress accordingly. Contact Donn with any questions or to register. Find Donn on FB or email: tripletree@frontiernet.net

OXEN DRIVING — April 5th - 6th, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
Oxen can be an alternative to tractors and are an excellent resource on small farms or in woodlots. In this two-day class, you will learn driving techniques, terminology, and the basics of cattle behavior & psychology. Practicing with our oxen teams with input from expert instructors will build your skills & confidence while working on a variety of field tasks on Tillers’ farm. The class concentrates on driving skills, but also introduces yoking, training, and hitching techniques.
Total Price: $445. https://tillersinternational.org/events/oxen-driving-3/

DRAFT HORSE BASICS — April 17th - 18th, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
In this two-day class, experienced teamsters share draft horse handling, hitching, and driving skills. Participants begin by building confidence with the gentle giants in the barn, brushing and harnessing. Handling skills are then honed with simple ground driving of a single horse progressing to plowing and other field work with a team. Breeds, hoof care, and health will be covered. Experience the pleasures of working with Suffolk draft horses on Tillers’ beautiful farm, and start building the skills you’ll need to work with draft horses on your own. Total Price: $410. https://tillersinternational.org/events/draft-horse-basics-3/

OXEN BASICS 1 — April 26th - 27th, 2025 — Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon, NH
Are you considering an oxen team for your farm but wondering where to start? Join us for a two-day workshop to learn the things you need know about bringing a pair home, finding the right equipment for them, and learning how to work them. Our experienced instructors will train you in a safe and productive environment.

Skills and Techniques:
— Basics of selecting a team or single ox
— Halter training, basic commands, and proper yoking and fitting
— Navigation of a team with equipment
— Learn proper body language, position, and voice commands
— Practice navigating a team on multiple pieces of equipment.

TAUGHT BY: Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen. Workshop Fee: $280.00. https://sanbornmills.org/product/draft-animal-oxen-basics-1/

DONKEY BASICS — May 8th - 9th, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
Experienced teamsters share the unique pleasure of donkey handling, hitching, and driving skills. Participants begin by learning how donkeys differ from draft horses and the distinctive characteristics that make them steadfast farming workers. Skills will be taught and honed with simple ground driving while progressing to field preparation and other farming tasks with a team. Topics include training a young team, hoof care, health, and nutrition. Experience the pleasure of a working donkey team at Tillers International’s beautiful campus and start building your skills.
Instructor: Rick Eshuis. Total Price: $550 https://tillersinternational.org/events/donkey-basics/

DRAFT ANIMAL: FARM & GARDEN — May 17th - 18th, 2025 — Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon, NH
Are you ready to put your team or a team of oxen to work on the Farm and gardens? Then this is the workshop for you. Spend two full days with hands-on experience learning about plowing, discing, planting, cultivating, and cart work. Students will gain a working knowledge of draft equipment and a needed maintenance schedule to work properly. Other topics will include line of draft, row spacing, garden layouts, and cover cropping. Students are encouraged to bring a team to the farm and should contact Ray Ramsey at least three weeks prior to the workshop start date to discuss this possibility. Out-of-state cattle must have a state health certificate from a veterinarian. No “intact” bulls over the age of 8 months are permitted on the farm.

Skills and Techniques:
— Plowing, discing, planting, cultivating, and cart work with oxen
— Draft equipment and a needed maintenance schedule to work proper
— Technical details like line of draft, row spacing, garden layouts, and cover cropping

TAUGHT BY: Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen. Workshop Fee: $280.00. https://sanbornmills.org/product/draft-animal-farm-garden-2/

FARMING WITH DRAFT ANIMALS — May 22nd - 25th, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
This four-day class is a unique opportunity to use oxen, horses, and donkeys to do real farm work. We immerse you in a wide variety of fieldwork: tillage, planting, hay harvesting, and cultivating—depending on the farm’s current needs and your personal interests! Part of each day is spent learning skills and the rest in field practice. Instructors help refine field work and draft animal handling. Assignments depend on skill, but we entrust you with real farm work. Activities flex with the weather.
Total Price: $610. Instructor: Rick Eshuis. https://tillersinternational.org/events/farming-with-draft-animals-2/

DRAFT ANIMAL: OXEN BASICS 2 — June 7th - 8th, 2025 — Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon, NH
Are you considering an oxen team for your farm but wondering where to start? Join us for a two-day workshop to learn the things you need know about bringing a pair home, finding the right equipment for them, and learning how to work them. Our experienced instructors will train you in a safe and productive environment. Students will learn the basics of selecting a team or single ox, halter training, basic commands, and proper yoking and fitting. The instructors will demonstrate the navigation of a team with equipment while explaining proper body language, position, and voice commands. Students will have the opportunity to practice navigating their team on multiple pieces of equipment. When students feel comfortable, they will drive teams throughout Sanborn Mills Farm under the supervision of our experienced teamsters. Much of the training will be based upon the day-to-day work at Sanborn Mills Farm. Students are encouraged to bring a team to the farm and should contact Ray Ramsey at least three weeks prior to the workshop start date to discuss this possibility. Out-of-state cattle must have a state health certificate from a veterinarian. No “intact” bulls over the age of 8 months are permitted on the farm.

Skills and Techniques:
— Basics of selecting a team or single ox
— Halter training, basic commands, and proper yoking and fitting
— Navigation of a team with equipment
— Learn proper body language, position, and voice commands
— Practice navigating a team on multiple pieces of equipment

TAUGHT BY: Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen. Workshop Fee: $280.00. https://sanbornmills.org/product/draft-animal-oxen-basics-2-2/

OXEN BASICS, PLUS YOKEMAKING — June 15th - 19th, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
This comprehensive five-day class creates skills in driving, training, and yoking in a sequence of hands-on experiences. Enjoy well-trained oxen responding to your voice commands. Learn to select, team, and care for oxen. Use low-stress training to teach calves. Drive teams hitched to various loads and practice field tasks. Make this the outstanding experience of your year! Most days, activities can last beyond 5:30 p.m. Students will also learn how to make a yoke using hand tools. added charge for yokes with a larger than 6” bow width) Email tillers@tillersinternational.org ahead of the class with your preferred bow width.
Instructor: Rob Collins. https://tillersinternational.org/events/oxen-basics-plus-yokemaking/

HORSE PROGRESS DAYS — July 4th-5th, 2025 — Clare, Michigan
https://horseprogressdays.com

SMALL SCALE HAY MAKING — July 25th - 27th, 2025 - Tillers International, Scotts, MI
This unique three-day class will cover the process of making loose hay using a variety of traditional methods- from the scythe to the sickle bar mower, from hand rakes to animal-powered lifts. Students in the class will work with their own hands, with draft animals, and with a variety of tools as we put up loose hay and construct a hand rake to take back home and use. This class is ideal for homesteaders and small farmers with a few animals or living history professionals wanting to build their skills.
Total Price: $595 https://tillersinternational.org/events/small-scale-hay-making/

OXEN BASICS — August 1st - 4th, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
This four-day class creates skills in driving, training, and yoking in a sequence of hands-on experiences. Enjoy well-trained oxen responding to your voice commands. Learn to select, team, and care for oxen. Use low-stress training to teach calves. Drive teams hitched to various loads and practice field tasks. Make this the outstanding experience of your year! Most days, activities can last beyond 5:30. Instructor: Rob Collins. Total Price: $500 https://tillersinternational.org/events/oxen-basics/

DRAFT HORSE BASICS — August 21st - 22nd, 2025 — Tillers International, Scotts, MI
In this two-day class, experienced teamsters share draft horse handling, hitching, and driving skills. Participants begin by building confidence with the gentle giants in the barn, brushing and harnessing. Handling skills are then honed honed with simple ground driving of a single horse progressing to plowing and other field work with a team. Breeds, hoof care, and health will be covered. Experience the pleasures of working with Suffolk draft horses on Tillers’ beautiful farm, and start building the skills you’ll need to work with draft horses on your own.
Instructor: Rick Eshuis. Total Price: $410 https://tillersinternational.org/events/draft-horse-basics-2/

PFERDE STARK — August 23rd & 24th, 2025 — Dörentrup, Germany
Die PferdeStark ist ein Mega-Event, bei dem über zwei Tagen ganztägig gleich mehrere Bühnen bespielt werden: Auf den Feldern und im Wald finden praktische Vorführungen von modernen Arbeitsgeräten, Demonstration verschiedener Anspannungstechniken und aktueller Arbeitsverfahren statt, im Holzrückeparcours die Europa-Meisterschaften im ein- und zweispännigen Holzrücken; auf dem Acker laden die Europa-Meisterschaften  im Gespannpfügen sowie Workshops zum Zuschauen und Mitmachen ein und im großen Schauring faszinieren Fahrwettbewerbe, Zugleistung und ein internationales, hochkarätiges Showprogramm. Erstmals wird es einen zweiten Schauring geben, in dem Reitvorführungen und -wettbewerbe stattfinden. Angeboten werden rund um das Schloss Wendlinghausen zudem zahlreiche Mitmachaktionen für Kinder, Jugendliche und Erwachsene. Besucher aller Generationen können sich auf ein interessantes und unterhaltsames Rahmenprogramm freuen. Thematisch passende Aussteller, verschiedene Gourmetstände und zwei Restaurants laden zu einer langen Verweildauer auf dem Eventgelände ein.
https://www.pferdestark.net

COMMON GROUND COUNTRY FAIR — September 19th-21st, 2025 — Unity, Maine
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s (MOFGA) annual celebration of rural living features 1000-plus exhibitors and speakers, and emphasizes vibrant communities, sustainable living and local economies, while highlighting organic agriculture. The weekend includes draft animal demonstrations all weekend. https://www.mofga.org/the-fair/

2025 DRAFT ANIMAL POWER FIELD DAYS — October 3rd, 4th & 5th, 2025 — Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon, NH
We are excited to be returning to Sanborn Mills Farm in 2025 for a third time for the Draft Animal Power Field Days! Save the dates and make sure to check back here, in your email and on social media for updates and more info. Our volunteer organizers are working hard to get you more info as soon as they can! https://www.draftanimalpower.org/dapfd-2025

OXEN DRIVING — Tillers International, Scotts, MI — October 11th - 12th, 2025
Oxen can be an alternative to tractors and are an excellent resource on small farms or in woodlots. In this two-day class, you will learn driving techniques, terminology, and the basics of cattle behavior & psychology. Practicing with our oxen teams with input from expert instructors will build your skills & confidence while working on a variety of field tasks on Tillers’ farm. The class concentrates on driving skills, but also introduces yoking, training, and hitching techniques.
Total Price: $445 https://tillersinternational.org/events/oxen-driving-2/

DRAFT ANIMAL: LOGGING WITH OXEN — October 18th - 19th, 2025 — Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon, NH
In this workshop, instructors Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen will demonstrate each piece of equipment focusing on driver and animal safety and efficiency. Much of the training will be based upon the day-to-day work at Sanborn Mills Farm, in which oxen singles and teams haul fire wood and saw logs from deep in the woods along trails to the main road. The function of the logging forecart, scoot, and go-devil will be explained before heading out to the woods with the animals. Proper use of a peavey for rolling logs, and the correct way to hook logs with choker chains – both to a cart and by twitching (ground skidding) – will be covered. The workshop will move at a pace agreeable for all students. Instructors will take time to work safely and explain each function in detail. Students are encouraged to bring a team to the farm and should contact Ray Ramsey at least three weeks prior to the workshop start date to discuss this possibility. Out-of-state cattle must have a state health certificate from a veterinarian. No “intact” bulls over the age of 8 months are permitted on the farm.

TAUGHT BY: Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen. Workshop Fee: $280.00. https://sanbornmills.org/product/draft-animal-logging-with-oxen/

MAKE A TRADITIONAL TWISTED WHIP FOR DRIVING OXEN — November 22, 2025 — Sanborn Mills Farm — Loudon, NH
This workshop will allow students to make a traditional twisted whip from start to finish. This includes creating whip blanks from a raw piece of timber, forming and shaping the stick along with steaming and twisting it. We will cover how to finish the whip with a keeper which allows for the attachment of a lash once it is complete.

Skills and Techniques:
— Forming and shaping raw lumber into a usable end-product
— Use of hand tools both for roughing out and detail finishing the project
— Learning how to steam and twist the whips
— Reading signs from the material to determine when it’s ready to be completed

 Workshop Fee: $140.00. Materials Fee: $25 paid directly to the instructor. TAUGHT BY: Justin Riendeau https://sanbornmills.org/product/make-a-traditional-twisted-whip-for-driving-oxen/

19th WORLD PERCHERON CONGRESS — July 6, 2026 — Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN
https://www.worldpercheroncongress.us/