First post / Are Halflingers the team for our farm?

[Billy Foster]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I am so happy to have these guys, they have the potential to be just the team I dreamed of.
One of the reasons we decided on Hafflingers is all the feedback about how honest workers they were. I have definitely heard plenty of stories about how much they can pull. I must be honest and say that periodically I will have to ask them to pull a good load. Having said that I think most of the time it will be a load that will be more appropriate for them to be able to work longer hours.
Donn: I very much appreciate the advice. Harness fit is something I have been working on and reading about however the finer details have been harder too acquire. My assumption is that the britchen straps should remain horizontal to the ground i.e shortening both straps on both sides of the harness?

Billy

[Donn Hewes]

yes, horizontal is good. Sometimes you might even see them a bit high in the front. Idea being make the britchen lay flat across the butt. I think horizontal is good, but front down might make the edge wear on the hair a little. It sounds to me like you are on the right track. Donn

[sickle hocks]

Nice looking horses Billy. I just thought I would say hi as we seem to have lots in common..my girlfriend and I are both biologists as well, and starting to farm as sustainably as we can.
About the spreader..I was able to find a ground drive pretty easily, it might be an easier option than building a pto cart..? We are trying to graze or bale graze and rotate a lot so the manure mostly spreads itself, but I do want to spread the stable manure on cover crops in the market garden (someday, someday..)
I don’t have much draft experience, but if they are a bit edgy I would really work on that before I asked too much…(mine are green and that way too…i habitually ask for a fair bit less than i think they are ready for and i wish i’d started out with that attitude, it is helping with their confidence..)

[Billy Foster]

Sickle hocks
Nice to hear from you. Farming is a great experiment, don’t you think? I use my education in science all the time when I am thinking about how to do a particular project. On the other hand there is so much “art” in all this that a book can never teach you. The sustainability thing is so important to us. We know we will never put a dent in supplying food to the country but our thoughts are: if we work our small farm this way, and people see and experience the benefits, we will influence others and help shape how the consumer feels their food should be produced. Our principle goal is to run a small farm sustainably and actually turn a profit, as you know that is a lot to ask. We are getting close but still have a long way to go. Our farm is very new (~2yo) I started a blog to document what we have been doing, if you are interested.
http://www.uponthehillfarm.blogspot.com/

Billy

[sickle hocks]

Wow, you guys are working Hard. Nice blog. Starting from scratch with raw land is a huge undertaking but you’ve really made strides…good luck!

[Billy Foster]

I think we are making good progress :o, I am very happy!

http://uponthehillfarm.blogspot.com/2012/01/very-good-day.html

[HeeHawHaven]

Looking good, Billy! It sure is fun learning!

Dave

[Author]

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