Training for the Future

by Emma Recchi 

Retreat Farm has a long history of working with oxen.

Our calves, Cortland and McIntosh, are continuing the tradition of sustainable land management — but training an oxen team requires consistency, patience, and dedication.

Cortland has a more stubborn personality and is less quick to learn new things. McIntosh, on the other hand, learns faster but often gets bored and probably thinks he knows more than his handler does. Our farm team works with the calves at least three times per week, and Cortland and McIntosh have been getting better and better at working together.

Luckily, the calves have an excellent role model in the pasture beside them. Isaac was given to Retreat Farm by a local homesteader who wanted to find a place for him to retire. Isaac was raised with another ox and did logging work around their owner’s farm. He knows a variety of commands and even bows on cue!

We hope you visit Cortland, McIntosh, and Isaac to help the calves get used to people and social interaction. Don’t miss Open Barn starting in January! Check out the event insert or visit retreatfarm.org for more details.

Insider Tip: Isaac typically loves attention but ignores folks while he’s eating. Can you blame him?