[rick.thomas.802]

Good point Erika, something I preach to my students on a daily basis…let’s keep wordsmithing.

[rick.thomas.802]

I believe any organization must ask: “to whom are we speaking and are they listening”? DAPNet seems to be at an organizational crux emerging from the sunset of what DAPNet was to the new dawn of what DAPNet is going to become. In my mind, the direction which DAPNet is moving is financially fragile and mission murky which is both a challenge and an opportunity. If DAPNet stays true to its name–a “network” of groups and individuals collectively engaged in the use of animal power across today’s agricultural landscape–then connecting with regional organizations (MOFGA, NOFA-VT, Center for Agricultural Economy, etc… among just a few) must be a guiding principle for all of its activities. If DAPNet seeks to create a niche in which to add to the broad conversation being held by today’s animal powered farmers, growers, agro-tourist concessionaires, educational practitioners, and forest workers then clearly identifying and defining steps toward that end is critical. The strength of an organization lies in its mission and practices; the efficacy of an organization is mirrored by its longevity.

I committed to spending the next two years to participate with a group of like-minded individuals as we set the compass and navigate the uncharted territory of DAPNet’s future. As a person who has watched DAPNet from the outside and used DAPNet’s products (the forum, NEAPFD) I have pondered: how does DAPNet fit within the constellation of other organizations basically filling the informational niche for animal powered practitioners? Are they saying something unique? Powerful? Should I listen? Is it credible? For me, lessons are best learned in context. NEAPFD for example is a platform by which both the “how” we use animals across the landscape and the “why” we use animals across the landscape collide. Among the other similar events (Common Ground Fair, NOFA, to name but two), is it unique? I’m not sure that is the best question; is it unique enough to support itself financially?, probably a better question. Andy described a NEAPFD where useful and long-lasting information was exchanged. I believe this is imperative; to me, a plowing demonstration should be accompanied by a discussion on reduced tillage, a logging demonstration should be paired with a talk on restorative forestry and cultivation should be reviewed in the light of whole farm planning for weed management and soil infiltration strategies. I believe NEAPFD has come very close to providing these connections and with a bit more coordination can continue to grow by coupling content and context in a very powerful way. The challenge to me is how to get more young farmers and growers to the table to consider the use of animals in their operations. In that way DAPNet, especially as a network organizer, could play a huge role.

I am not convinced that DAPNet should take on the magnitude of the NEAPFD, but I am worried that dropping out of the conversation could leave a void for regional young farmers and growers who might be considering using animals as a viable source of power in their agricultural endeavors; or, for current draft animal powered practitioners looking for the next new thing in animal power to make some process more efficient in their business. I believe DAPNet has a strong future as an educational organization focusing on developing connections and merging other similar groups into a simple and useful location via social media; and, through nomadic grand events, specialized workshops and a presence among draft animal power advocates world-wide, widening the circle of mindful agronomists.

Rick Thomas, Draft Horse Manager and Faculty in Sustainable Agriculture, Sterling College, Craftsbury, VT.

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