Agropraxis Farm

When you think about the differences in food production between the dominant industrial model and the organic/ecological-biological methods a dichotomy is clear. Never more clear at Tillers International than at this time of year.

I began thinking about the dichotomy when travelling down a country road. I was caught behind a tractor with a disc/harrow headed to prep a field. Eight monster wheels, the driver behind glass in a cab, and the implement folded back on top of itself so it could almost fit on the road. When opposing traffic met the tractor he had to scoot to the shoulder so his rig allowed a bit of space for the car to squeeze past. When travelling he took the whole road and lapped onto the shoulders, almost blasting mail boxes.  He finally reached the field and turned in. These monster units crawl across the flat, sizeable fields and ready them for corn, beans or potatoes. They build a cloud of dust, and growl a tone that seems to underscore all sounds at this time of year.

In our fields the birdsong still is the dominant note. Tilling is done by the big gentle draft horses or the oxen. The farmer casts a shadow on the ground and can see and smell the life in the soil as it is turned.  An occasional “giddyap’ or “whoa” from the farmer and the deep breath of the working animals is added to the birdsong. Our horsepower is fueled by our own forages. With two or four horse power we can work a field and ready it for vegetables or grains. The animal wastes are composted and added to our soils. Working within and fostering the biological cycles. Nothing like the fossil fuel powered conventional system.

Both systems supply needed food items. One does it within the local ecology and biological systems. The other seems more intent on subverting natural cycles. I know I welcome the friendly wave and energy from the farmer and horses if I meet them on the road versus the tractor and implement. One almost seems welcome rather than domineering…

Farmer Pete