Description

Stories in this issue:

• A Barn Raising: How Drew Conroy parlayed his team of oxen to build a new barn
• How to Raise Hogs: A reprint from Farm Knowledge, Volume I, Farm Animals published in 1919 with comments from Ralph Rice. This piece includes the essentials for starting and maintaining a hog operation
• Grass Fed Pork?: Ralph Rice gives us information on additional nutrient rich food a grass fed pig needs. A balanced ration and plenty of fresh clean water are essential.
• A view from Holmes County: Mary Ann Sherman’s annual overview of all the goings on at 2017 Horse Progress Days in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She tells us about the Pony Express, Therapeutic riding demo, Parade of Breeds, Roman riding demo, volleyball games, and lots of catching up with friends.
• HPD Seminar: Foreign Animal Powered Farming: 
  HPD Seminar: Andrew Beiler’s Horse Training: Horse Trainer Andrew Beiler spent his seminar teaching a 6-year-old Saddlebred horse. The horse was a little uneasy with he audience but Andrew demonstrated many techniques which the article explains well.
• HPD Seminar: Drip Irrigation: toro Irrigation representative Bill Wohlfram explained all the ins and outs of drip irrigation. From basic parts to water source, filters, testing and “fertigation” – he covers all the basics.
• HPD Seminar: Organic No-Till: Dr Gladis Zinati of the Rodale Institute explains their herbicide free no-till method to kill a cover crop. This method uses an implement developed by Rodale called a roller-crimper. I&J now manufactures and sells a smaller version. Read about the success of this method with many tips for your own implementation.
• HPD Seminar: French Collars: ona Latie representing Sellerie Percheronne of France brought some of their collars to show. Originally based on the Omnibus collar from the end of the 19th century, these collars are up to date and innovative. Take a look and read about the designs and materials.
• HPD Seminar: Therapeutic Riding: Harmony Hollow Therapeutic Riding Program demonstrated Friday afternoon with three riders. Read about the organization and the benefits of this type of therapy.
• HPD Seminar: Grass Finished Beef: Cattleman Tim Fritz explains how to produce grass fed beef. He covers types of forage, cattle breed choice, stocking rate and lots of information on the forage itself.
• HPD Seminar: Horse Care: Dr. Jeffrey Edelson DVM teaches us about the proper care and conditioning of our horses for the work they perform and weather in which they will perform it. Included is a list the sign of heat stroke. He also presented information on “tying up” and how to prevent this problem.
• HPD Seminar: International Meeting: Reporting on the annual meeting of international visitors, representing 16 different countries. Read about what some of the visitors shared with their US counterparts.
• Horse Progress Days: Field Equipment: Lots of photos and information on the latest horse drawn farming equipment. Haymaking equipment, tillage equipment, produce equipment and some miscellaneous equipment
• Packing Gravel with Horses: Jenifer Morrissey tells about her job packing gravel from a mountain site, down hill to a housing site. She uses an experienced pony (Norwegian Fjord) and a novice (Fell Pony). We are reminded what these ponies were bred for – short and easy to load, surefooted in steep rocky terrain and strong enough for a heavy load.
• Florida 1910: enifer Morrissey’s great-great-grandfather’s travels to Florida in 1910 inspire this article’s history of Florida and it’s agrigultural roots. She also provides some every interesting history of trains and transportatoin in those early years.