Introduction

Horses
    Blaze
    Barney
    Mac
    Bill

Oxen

Cows

Sheep

Pigs

Chickens

Dogs

Cats

Other Animals

By definition, an ox is a working steer over four years of age.  While oxen were not common on farms in Pleasant Valley by 1890-1910, they had been common on farms in the 18th and earlier 19th century.  We do know that at least one neighbor on Hunter Road had oxen in 1900.

At Howell Farm the oxen are used by farm interns who are learning ox and horse power skills useful to those working with small farmers in developing countries, working at other living history farms or agricultural museums, or to the 20th century homesteader.

Currently, we are training a pair of young steers, Star and Stripe, to be oxen.

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