Before mechanisation became a mainstay of modern agriculture, animals, such as oxen and horses, were used for transportation and ploughing. Since the introduction of tractors and other machinery and vehicles, however, draught animals have become almost obsolete in some parts of the world. But in many countries in Africa, and elsewhere, horses and donkeys still play a crucial role in agriculture.
According to Prof Alan Guthrie, director of the University of Pretoria’s Equine Research Centre, there are at least 112 million domesticated equids in the world, consisting of around 60 million horses, 42 million donkeys and 10 million mules. The vast majority of these are working animals. Guthrie says that about 13 million donkeys live in Africa alone. In many countries, equids are still involved in ploughing, tilling, weeding and transporting inputs, harvests and families.
Research also points to the value of horses on modern farms. Indeed, some researchers believe that as the world continues to go green, horses, donkeys and mules may become ever more important, even on large commercial farms.
WORKFORCE
In the past, before the invention of the combustion engine, horses and donkeys were, of course, used as the workforce on a farm.
In an article in Mountain Xpress, Buster Norton, a maize, tobacco and sorghum producer in north-west Carolina in the US, says that despite owning five tractors, he often uses horses to perform certain tasks more rapidly.
“There’s a few jobs they excel in, such as getting wood off these rough hills or ploughing on steep land where the tractors can’t [get to].”
Denne historien er fra May 19, 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 19, 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.