[Tim Harrigan]

We need to make sure we have functioning networks within DAPNet as well as with external groups. One thing that will help in this regard is to have some serious discussions about the doucments that Jen referred to:

http://www.draftanimalpower.com/showthread.php?5509-Forms-and-Checklists-for-Events

One of these is a checklist for events that should be circulating among all committees right now for the Athol event. This will help us be prepared and make sure the necessary resources are in place to make sure everything comes together for a first class event. The other document is a list of various types of events that we anticipate being involved in, with a short description of the degree of involvement ($ and labor) that we should consider contributing. This document emerged from some extended discussion of what DAPNet events should look like, where we should take primary responsibility and others where we should provide various levels of support, but less hands-on responsibility.

I should also point out that the incentive for these document arose from last years Athol event when we first tried out a survey and learned from visitors that were overlooking several important things from their perspective. We need to remedy that this time around.

Bottom line, regarding these documents and this issue:

1. Each committee should circulate these documents, review them carefully, and edit and frame the discussion of all proposed events with these in mind.

2. The event checklist for Athol should be full of names of folks who will take primary responsibility for each of the tasks/responsibilities listed. I worked quite a bit on the survey last year, I will be responsible for putting it together. I am 700 miles away so I will need help in conducting the survey. I cannot overemphasize the importance of these surveys in future grant success.

3. I encourage the Executive committee to request each committee to share their discussion/revision of these documents with the full Board at their earliest convenience. This will advance the networking discussion.

[Tim Harrigan]

Elke, I am not sure exactly what your question is. Are you referring to the length of the yoke or the way the team acts in the yoke?

[Tim Harrigan]

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=163257176&m=163336889

I did not hear it yesterday but found it today. Thanks, Geoff.

[Tim Harrigan]

I would love to be there but it is unlikely. I hope you will have some video to share.

[Tim Harrigan]

@nihiljohn 37037 wrote:

…make the focus on training the horse, not moving the wood. You’ll still move wood and the horse will get better, faster.

Yes, that is an important shift in mind set. If you only move one log all day, or maybe no logs, but you make positive progress in other areas, consider that a good and successful day. You are setting yourself up for more successful and productive time moving logs in the future.

[Tim Harrigan]

Holstein x Herefords are handsome and usually make nice oxen. There is as much variability within breeds as between breeds so you will have a gamble either way you go.

[Tim Harrigan]

Good points here.

As an organization we are walking a fine line between growing at a sustainable rate and biting off more than we can chew. Over the past year when we decided to forego NEAPFD in 2012 we decided to focus on more small and manageable regional and local events. We have tentatively decided to add NEAPFD back in the mix, but I am not aware of any discussions to cut back anywhere else. I support NEAPFD, I think it is our flagship event with the potential for high impact. When we say we can move ahead with it without detracting from our overall program, we need to be clear about what that means and what the overall program is. It seems to me that if the intention is to cut back in other areas it will free up time and energy for this event.

I agree that we need to link with other organizations. Our main contribution is the draft animal connection in the context of building community, mentoring and education. I am not familiar with the other groups mentioned? Are they promoting the use of animal power? Just because they may be using animal power it does not mean they are advancing it in the context of our values. In the discussions I have been involved in the tone has been very inclusive, no problem bringing others in to help us achieve our goals. So, Andy, I fully support that concept, I just look forward to more specific details about what the groups bring. This issue of focus and intent is why I have been forcing the goals and values discussion.

Rick, your suggestion to broaden the scope and depth of the content of our events is right on. It is absolutely essential to do that if we want to have events that bring folks back. In fact, we have a survey in place that allows us to explore that issue with visitors, asking, among other things, if they plan to implement changes to their farming operations based on what they learned at the DAPNet event. Is so, what? And, what would they like to see in the future. We can not simply demonstrate a few tillage tools and skid a few logs and expect folks to keep coming back. This is exactly what I am proposing to write into the grant in support of NEAPFD in developing demonstration/educational tracks. The challenge with that is that you need to have a process in place to gather the information needed to identify critical topics and innovative approaches.

[Tim Harrigan]

@Tim Harrigan 36934 wrote:

NEAPFD provides opportunities for proponents of animal power to connect with teamsters, equipment suppliers and draft animal supporters to exchange ideas and advance the science, technology and sustainable use of draft animals across the agricultural and forested landscape.

NEAPFD provides opportunities for proponents of animal power to connect with teamsters, equipment suppliers and draft animal supporters to promote low-stress training and animal comfort, exchange ideas, and advance the science, technology and sustainable use of draft animals across the modern agricultural and forested landscape.

[Tim Harrigan]

Yes, Carl Russel. I did not say that it was not a DAPNet grant. I assume it will be, but I have not had that specific discussion with him. Given the parameters of the request for proposals I think it would be best if it was a DAPNet grant.

[Tim Harrigan]

@rick.thomas.802 36927 wrote:

..NEAPFD seeks to…provide an opportunity to gather socially, educationally, and professionally as teamsters to make connections, develop relationships and exchange ideas on draft animal power use across today’s agricultural and forested landscape.

I like what you are doing. I will toss a few words around to keep the discussion going.

NEAPFD provides opportunities for proponents of animal power to connect with teamsters, equipment suppliers and draft animal supporters to exchange ideas and advance the science, technology and sustainable use of draft animals across the agricultural and forested landscape.

[Tim Harrigan]

The times I have been stepped on it was on the outside of my foot. Always my fault. That just makes it hurt even more.

[Tim Harrigan]

Good advice, George. Same goes for oxen.

[Tim Harrigan]

Congratulations, Andy. Very cute little girl.

[Tim Harrigan]

@Oxhill 36805 wrote:

… I have a well mannered bull now but he is too big to start. I don’t trust him. Every time I think how well mannered he is I think of a line from The Princes Bride: “Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I’ll most likely kill you in the morning.”

Yes, those are the ones that will have plenty of opportunities. You never give the ornery ones a chance.

[Tim Harrigan]

That looks pretty solid to me. Are you going to be carrying heavy loads over rough ground? Give it a go and if it looks like it will be a problem then try some alternatives.

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