Logging with Oxen

In this workshop, students will learn to yoke and work with the farm’s cattle. Instructors Ray Ramsey and Tyler Allen will demonstrate each piece of equipment focusing on driver and animal safety and efficiency. Much of the training will be based upon the day-to-day work at Sanborn Mills Farm, in which oxen singles and teams haul fire wood and saw logs from deep in the woods along trails to the main road.

The function of the logging forecart, scoot, and go-devil will be explained before heading into the woods with the cattle. Proper use of a peavey for rolling logs and the correct way to hook logs with choker chains – both to a cart and by twitching (ground skidding) – will be covered.

The workshop will move at a pace agreeable for all students. Instructors will take time to work safely and explain each function in detail.

Sanborn Mills Farm requires all workshop participants to follow the Farm’s safety protocols. You will be required to sign that you read and comply with the protocols during registration.