Hi from Essex Farm

I would also like to find some English Shepherd breeders. I am thinking of getting one in the future. My Great Grandfather had one at all times but their popularity has declined. From what I have read and what my Dad says about them I am very interested.

Hey Kristin,

Would you post a photo of your dog on the other farm animals spot in the photo gallery. We would enjoy seeing a farm animal other than our draft working stock.

Yep equipment is always the bottleneck for all of us trying to live gently from the land in an economy that is about casual consumption of everything.

Plowboy is in New York State.

Hi DAPPERS, Kristin It is “our” Intro to farming with Horses Workshop! yes, anyone that wants to say hello; I wish I had gotten on this site earlier as I probably could have made the organizing easier. As it now stands we have a good presentation set up for our first time. I wish I had one more team of horses but it is alittle late to worry about that now. Jason, If you want to see a funny picture of a working dog check out our New Zealand Huntaway helping me feed horses. You can see him on my web album. I have been haveing alot of fun this week starting a new three year old belgian mare. we are skidding little logs for fire wood and she is doing great.

Hi Jean, The NOFA winter Conference is happening all weekend in Saratoga Springs. On Friday we are doing a pre-conference Workshop called ‘Introduction to farming with Horses’. There was a limit on the number of participants and as of a week ago there were only afew spots left. You can find a full description at NOFANY.Com. You would also find contact info if you wanted to register. I am considering doing a weekend workshop like this on my farm this spring. If I decide to do it I will post it here.

Donn,

That dog is earning his “gravy train” for sure, cool photo, great way of making a pet into a useful draft animal – in addition to being a faithful friend. Thanks for sharing that man. I had noticed it when I first went to your album. Draft mutt, awesome use of your animal power. My dog is to small to provide much draft power and she just barks while I’m sleeping and keeps an eye on the place while I rest. She does a good job at being a friend and organic alarm.

Where did you get that harness arrangement you have on the pooch?

You should post this photo on the other animals place on the photo gallery page.

Thanks,

Kristin we are in Central New York about half way between Binghamton and Albany. I’m not sure where you are located but their is an Amish repair shop in Palatine Bridge that may be able to get you parts or repair your reaper binders. His labor is very reasonable so we take major jobs to him and when it comes back it’s all fixed. I’m not sure how far that would be for you.
I won’t be in the market for an English Shepherd for a year or two. I got my wife a Golden Retriever and she is only 5 months. One puppy at a time is enough. I would like to know where the breeders are though. I tried to locate them on the Internet but there aren’t too many around. I haven’t asked the Amish some of them keep grade dogs but I haven’t seen any English just Austrailian Shepherds and Heelers and alot of Border Collies. Border Collies are good dogs but are very nervous. I like the laid back nature of the English Shepherd.