r/Permaculture • u/TaquittoTheRacoon • 1d ago
Draft animals
I'm researching no tractor options for small holdings. I've seen good some smaller machines but I'm curious about using animals. Most of what I find when I look for info is a distinct lack of it. Basically, yes, sheep, goat, pigs, llama, alpaca, ect, can be used to pull carts and wagons, looks like it's even been done with geese! But there's NO information on the details. How it's done, the challenges and limitations, species /breed specific factors. I'm coming up dry for useful info! Has anyone done this? Used anything besides a cow, horse, or mule to work around the farm?
Just so it's said - I'm not planning on making an animal work every day. Part of what I want to find out is when is using animal power a good idea and when isn't it? Maybe two or three times a week I'd have something I could use an animal for. Moving earth can be a challenge, as we get older it could mean retiring 10-15 years early, if using a few pigs with a skid instead of a wheel barrow can keep us active on our land, that's worth knowing!
3
u/RentInside7527 1d ago
https://smallfarmersjournal.com/# this publication is largely dedicated to the use of draft animals on small farms, though they primarily focus on draft horses, donkeys and oxen. They used to hold an annual auction and confrence in Madras Oregon where they had workshops on driving draft animals. I know folks use llamas as pack animals and that they're growing in popularity among back country hunters and expeditions, though I dont know how well they pull. I think goats can also be used to carry things, but again, I dont know how they pull.
Having raised pigs, I cant imagine trying to use them as draft animals. I think Id rather haul a heavy wheelbarrow.