steers and oxen

An integral part of traditional Vermont agriculture were steers and oxen. Working steers (castrated bulls) and oxen (steers that have reached at least four years of age and been trained to work) were originally used for farm work because draft horses were frequently unavailable or prohibitively expensive. We’re currently training two pairs of young steers, a long process before they’ll have the size and skills necessary to pull a wagon and take part in other jobs around the farm. Make sure to check in at the horse barn to see how they’re doing!

Meet Colt and Rooster

Above, Colt and Rooster as five-month-old Jersey steers, they are now 3 years old and much bigger! Currently being trained by Amy, one of our teamsters. She’s been working with them since they were born, and the boys are already walking in a yoke (as you can see in their photo). It won’t be long before they graduate to pulling a small cart and sleigh.

Learn more about Draft Animals and see videos of Colt and Rooster in training.