SHELBURNE, Vt. — The Draft Animal-Power Network is excited to announce that registration is open for their 7TH Draft Animal-Power Field Days event to be held this year at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, VT from October 4-6, 2019. Friday and Saturday programs run from 7:30am to 10pm and Sunday will run from 8am to 1pm. It provides opportunities for young farmers, foresters, loggers, teamsters, animal owners, land owners, and other draft-animal enthusiasts to participate in educational sessions and workshops, watch demonstrations, visit with equipment suppliers and exhibitors, and connect with mentors. Field days is also a place for businesses and organizations to market and demonstrate their goods and services, to network with the greater draft animal community, and to exchange ideas and share information that will lead to better business decisions and successful agriculture.
The Field Days schedule includes affordable, intensive workshops on Friday; demonstrations geared for the general public on Saturday such as blacksmithing or logging; music and entertainment on Saturday evening; and a Sunday wrap-up with outdoor fun, play, and challenges. Enjoy the fall foliage in Vermont and all that Shelburne Farms has to offer for this great event!
Intensive workshops offered on Friday October 4th will cover topics like, Draft Animal-Powered Logging, Intro to Working Draft Animals, and Training Drafts-Getting the Most from your Working Horses. You must pre-register for intensives. Friday also includes “The World of Draft Animal-Power” tours, dinner and an obstacle course.
Saturday, October 5, 2019 offers various sessions educational and hands-on sessions covering topics like working a single horse or steer, first aid, economics of farming with draft animals, plowing and mowing, horse logging, fittings for horses and oxen, using mules and jacks, using round pens, producing your own feed, effective felling practices, decisions on growing, equipment mechanics and more! There will be sessions where there are opportunities to ask a vet questions, come meet and drive a working horse or steer. Enjoy kids’ activities with the animals, wagon rides with teamsters, buy Draft Animal-Power network gear at their display, take a mini ride, and walk the beautiful farm grounds and trails.
Saturday evening includes an auction at the Breeding Barn, a raffle, dinner with food vendors, networking, music and drinks (cash bar) until 10pm. The raffle on Saturday is to win either a horse (horse provided by Reber Rock Farm, registered with the American Suffolk Horse Association) or $500 CASH!! $20 raffle ticket booklet (5 chances to win) to benefit the Draft Animal-Power Network, a 501©3 non-profit organization, are for sale online and will also be sold at the event. You do not need to be present to win. Winner will be contacted if not present, but you must make own transportation arrangements for the animal.
Sunday, October 6, includes the Draft Animal-Power Network Annual Meeting that morning at the Breeding Barn. Topics covered on Sunday include skidding large diameter wood, hoof care, using mini working horses, harness types, tool choices and more! There will be an opportunity to come meet and drive a working horse and steer, listen to a roundtable discussion on challenging teamster stereotypes, info on how to start a new draft powered business or finding the right animal for you. Food will be on site for lunch purchases.
All Field Day activities will take place at the Breeding Barn and surrounding Shelburne farm grounds. Shelburne Farms is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire and cultivate learning for a sustainable future. Come explore the 1,400-acre working farm, forest, and National Historic Landmark at this year’s Field Days event!
There are several opportunities to be involved in this event, which are all available for viewing at www.draftanimalpower.org. Children under 10 are free. Regular attendance without intensive workshop registration is $10 (members) or $20 (non-members) on Friday & Sunday; and $20 (members), $30 (non-members) on Saturday. Intensive workshops on Friday are $100. There is a discount to attend Friday, Saturday & Sunday. View the full schedule of events and registration information online. We are also looking for volunteers to assist us in our event logistics. Interested parties should reach out to us at dapnetinfo@gmail.com.
Sponsorships start at $100 and go to $1,000 (please see website for sponsor benefits). Vendors can be inside or outside and costs range from $85-$150. Questions can be sent to our office at dapnetinfo@gmail.com or by calling Erin Lorentz, Field day coordinator at 802-747-7900.
–Draft Animal-Power Network