Hey everybody,
How about a draft animal event here in middle tn? We're sort of in the middle of southeastern horse country. It doesn't have to be HERE, specifically, but my county would be a great location, as state hwy 13 runs the length of it, and I-40 crosses it, with the scenic buffalo river valley offering choice locations for such an event. The county bureaucrats are looking for things to improve their economy (can you say "tourist traps"?), and we would get plenty of co-op there. I've had a little experience with organizing events, and if some of ya'll would give me a hand, I think we could get something really good going. I'M SERIOUS!!!

Middle TN would be a nice place to have it. Are there many amish in Ethridge, that you could get to attend? Might get that started.

I would also volunteer to have it here in north GA, but here is where an issue lies. The original object I thought of a southern regional event was to have it move from place to place. That way if it's not close to you this year, it will be the next. The only issue with that and havintg something here is that I can get full backing and volunteer support, but the non-horse groups that I would get involved, would want to make the benefits for charity or something and build the event larger and larger each year. To do it right, you would need some investment of infrastructure. (at least here) and that's a big investment for a one time event.

I'd like to see an event that moved around the states in the South East. For folks living much further south that we are (Western NC) getting to OH, IN, Ill is a two or more day drive.

I remember some discussion about vendors not being willing to come in further South. So maybe we need to locate some southern venders.

I know there is large tractor farming show in Tifton GA in Oct. Perhaps an event could be held in conjunction with or just before or after. The local fair grounds here might be available.

What is needed is a core group from each state plan and organize for that state. With a rotation.

Problem with locating southern vendors is there are very few when it comes to horse drawn equipment. Most of the new producers are amish companies located in Ohio, Penn., and Indiana. There is a great amish community in Ethridge, TN but they are old order and most of them would probably not participate and there are no equipment producers there. They do make wagons and carriages, harness, collars, horse shoes, etc. but no forecarts, plows, or other heavy equipement. They buy theirs from up north too I suppose.

Guys,
I can see an event that moves around, although there already is one. "Southern Draft Animal Days" was held in TN last year, and I think is going to be held in VA or WV this year. Look it up on the web. It is also advertised in the Small Farmer's Journal. Personally, I would like to annual events in each state. I guess if we want 'em, WE'RE going to have to make it happen. As for vendors, there are a few in TN but not very many. The vendor thing is kinda like some sort of vicious cycle. You need lots of attendence to draw vendors, and you need lots of vendors to help attract the attendees, although we can, and will have to get by with using seminars and demos to attract people.

Regie, you are deadon! It would take just that, a group in each state to coordinate and develope each site in individual states. Kinda hard for me to drive to Miss. to plant corn in the spring for a fall cornpickin event.
Problem isn't getting vendors, it's that there isn't any interest aside from two or three people in two or three different states. Noone wants to stick their neck out and it's just too much work for one man to accomplish. So, we're better off just having local plowdays and inviting the public if you want an audience.

This Obama economy isn't helping matters either. Noone can afford to pay attention much less find time to participate.

SDAD is also advertised in Rural Heritage, too.

That's what's in question though from what I have read and understand. Is SDAD going to continue to move around from state to state or is it now only going to be held in Virginia. I may have misunderstood. I thought Jason said it was too difficult to move around and get the vendors to go any farther south than Virginia.

I shot my mouth off without knowing the facts. I just assumed. (Don't EVER assume!) I still don't know the facts, but maybe we need to get in touch with this Jason fella. He might be able to help us out. Again, I am DEAD SERIOUS about this, guys! I really think that this can be done. If Columbia can do Mule Days, we can do something similar.

Hey,
I just read J.Todd's post about the #9, and it hit me. We oughtta start with something small, like a mower clinic, and let (and help) it grow. We could start a club or something, with annual meets. That kind of thing would require very little capitol, and would grow quickly. If I can come up with a place to do it, do any of ya'll wanna go for it?

In my humble opinion, it will take more than a mower rebuilding class to draw folks out.

If you had say an acre or two of corn to pick, an acre of tobacco, an acre of cotton, couple acres of hayin, you'd draw a larger crowd. An idea from another thread would be to have Jerry demonstate the scythe and stacking hay. That seems to be drawing the most interest right now. And add the mower clinic too!

Don't forget the "Antique Equipment Show and Sell". Better than a car show anyday! Folks could put pricetags on their teams or equipment they wanted to sell. Not much better than a demonstration of how well something works for prospective buyers!!!

What ever you do make sure you advertise it everywhere from Craigslist, Ebay, RH to every feed store and country western store and bar in the entire south. Produce a flyer and ask some of the Porch Folks to pass'em along where they live....GET THE WORD OUT!!! You won't succeed without bringing in new folks!

One final word, there are a few folks out there who are happy to help, but you'll have to let'em know how they can be of the greatest value to your venture ie. you'll need a place to congregate and see what everyone has to offer. An event like this can certainly create a greater sense of community among Porch Folks, which will definately enrich all our lives that much more.

Just my two cents for what it's worth..........

Todd, You are right. Horse Progress Days started out as a project of the National Draft Horse and Mule Association. Just plan a Mower Clinic for middle TN encourage every one with a #9 or #7 or Big 4 or what ever to bring their mower. Find someone that really knows these machines. And do a one or two day mower clinic.



Is there an interest in forming a Southern Draft Animal Association? Or maybe Draft Animal Farmin -- South.

For the folks in Southen Miss. or Ala. getting to VA isn't any easier than getting to Ohio or Indiana.

I myself think the most perfect place that I have found would be Kenny Russell's farm in Poplarville MS. He has all of the old equipment and some of the new HPD type equipment already on site. He has a nice facility, hayfield, plowing field, corn field, and fields for parking. There is also a local Pioneer dealer, Carey Fulmer, less than an hour's drive away. Lynn Miller has already been there and done mower clinics in the past. Of course, first somebody might need to run this by Kenny! They are a well respected family in the draft horse world and have already given a good many folks a safe start in horse farming.

Kenny Russll's would be a great place. Those of us in the upper south may not be able to get there but folks in GA, Miss, Ala, and Northern Fla and Louisana. and maybe even east Texas. That would be the great thing about an event that moved around from place to place.

A mowere clinic may not attrack a huge crwod, but it could be a start . Even ten gusy could pool enough money to pay someone to come and help tune and rebuild mowers and teach about safety etc.

Jordan when you get your event lined out make sure you hav food and you will have plenty there . Everybody loves to eat . Good luck .