The Return of Plough Horses in the Fields?

Copyright 2008, Gary Fletcher

Summary

Concern is growing about the impact of agriculture on the environment and rising fuel costs. A group of farmers in southern France proposes the unexpected solution of traditional draft animals with a new twist. A growing number of people are turning to this association and using horse and donkey power to work their farms.

A group of farmers in southern France has re-invented the horse and plough for working the land and tending to crops. Draft animals have proved efficient, inexpensive and flexible and they create quality working conditions for their users.

In the face of growing concern over the environmental costs of industrial farming and rising fuel prices they could be a serious alternative. Could these forgotten scenes of animals pulling ploughs soon be returning to the countryside?

Industrial Farming Problems

During the 20th century industrial farming techniques developed and became widespread. But concerns are being expressed over climate change impacts and food quality.

Against a background of rising concern about modern industrial farming techniques. Heavy machinery requires large investments that smaller farmers cannot afford. Heavy subsidies are used to support these techniques.

But use of machinery means burning fossil fuels releasing global warming gas (CO2) and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Rising fuel prices and the perspective of shortages also encourage people to seek alternatives.

An Old New Alternative

The non-profit organization Prommata (Promotion du Machinisme Moderne Agricole à Traction Animale - Promotion of Modern Agricultural Machinery Pulled by Animals) promotes the use of draft animals from its base near the Pyrenees in southern France. Interest in this new old solution has steadily grown since the association’s creation in 1991.

Prommata has modernized the age old horse and plough with simple technology. They have developed an interchangeable tool holder that is used with a plough, harrow, cultivator or other tools. Thanks to a simple fixing the tools can be changed easily and quickly.

The simple technology employed means it can be reproduced easily and at low cost. The tool holder, called a “kassine”, is also made in different sizes and weights. Lighter versions can be used with donkeys in small applications.

The kassine has already won first prize for technological innovation at the PferdeStarke show in Germany.

Growing Interest

Prommata promotes its technology and the use of draft animals through its regular journal and through information and training. As well as technology the association also promotes humane working methods that respect both the animals and people.

Small garden farmers are now using donkeys or horses to work their soil and tend to plants. The animals are preferred because they cause less damage to soils and water than heavy machinery. Wine growers have shown particular interest in these revived techniques to protect and improve their soils.

The growing number of users is also opening opportunities for draft animal service providers. The association now has 450 members and has distributed over 240 tool carriers in France. Agricultural training centers are also taking an interest.

Improved Quality

Draft animals have several advantages for farmers. It is obvious that the reduced pollution and cost is an important benefit. But there are other more subtle benefits from the vastly improved working conditions.

The noise, vibration and danger of machinery disappears. Farmers also find the relationship with the animal far more satisfying than inanimate and unfeeling machines. This leads to less stress and better quality of life for all concerned.

The animals also cause less damage to soil and the nature around crops. They can be used in small farms where quality of the produce is favoured over intensive production oriented methods.

Around the World

The low technology kassine is easily transferred to peasants in Africa, who have been showing a keen interest. Prommata has already provided materials and training to Madagascar, Burkina Faso and Nigeria.

Local blacksmiths and farmers have been trained to make the tool holder and work the land with their zebu, a kind of ox. There is growing interest in these farming communities because the system is very efficient and requires little investment to get started.

Conclusion

Facing the problems of pollution and fuel price rises we could well see our countryside filling up with hard working animals. A return to such peaceful rural scenes can only be a pleasure for those who enjoy the countryside and its delicious produce on which we all depend.

Prommata’s web site (in French) is at http://www.prommata.org/.