first season w/haflinger team- plow suggestions?

[REisen Shine Farm]

Hi there,

We run a small CSA and till about 2 acres of veggies. Last year, we only used hand tools. This year, we have a team of haflingers. Our soil can be a bit rocky, and we’re still learning to be decent teamsters. Given these things, any suggestions on a plow? We know it needs to be no bigger than a 12 inch. I’m leaning towards a sulky… but haven’t bought anything yet. Any suggestions welcome!

[j.l.holt]

Are you just plowing two acers ? Walking plow would be easier to pull and if your skill level is in need of improvement, someone could always drive while the other handled the plow. Then you could trade off so both can learn the art of a walking plow.

[dominiquer60]

With rocks teach them to stop when you feel one, this can save the point of the plow. If you get real good with a walking plow you can step them up a little at a time and flip the stone up on top of the soil and pick it out later.

[Donn Hewes]

If you are any where near Conn. consider Sam Rich’s plow clinic coming in April 19th to 21st. Look in the DAPNet Events calender. You would learn a ton. By comparison I am just smashing the rocks and mineralizing my soil! But it is fun.

PS. 2 acres can be a lot or a little, but it is never just 2 acres.

[dominiquer60]

Great suggestion Donn! If you can make it to the clinic you will learn a ton with or without your animals, whether you can make it to CT or not get yourself a copy of Lynn Millers Plow Book, it is a great reference for any teamster.

Sam recommends that beginners find a good sulky plow of appropriate size for the team, 10″ may be best for small horses, they will tire slower than with a 12″. A walking plow can be a harder skill to pick up for some, both have risks with rocks. A sulky plow can buck you off if you hit a rock just right, and a walking plow can crack a rib if you hit a rock just right. Don’t be discouraged though, just find a good mentor, a good plow and be prepared to take a little at a time.

I am growing vegetables on 2.5 acres this year and for the first time am using animals for all of the plowing. I will plow at least half of it, .5 A sod and .75A rye cover crop. I anticipate taking a few days to do it, spread over 2-3 weeks.

Best of luck and if you are close enough, we hope to see you at the Clinic.

[REisen Shine Farm]

Thanks all, this is some good advice. I’m going to look into the clinic and see if we can swing it. We are going to a local draft club for their winter class and plow days, but i think that the more information and experience we can get the better it will go.

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