Rural Heritage December 2025/January 2026

Selection, Care and Early Training of a team of working steers Starting Joe & Mack

two animals of the same breed or cross breed and as similar in age as possible. Having two similarly sized animals is important for fitting the team with equipment. Yokes are made with equally sized bow holes, so to properly fit the yoke, both animals ought to have necks that have just enough room to slide a hand between the bow and neck. Other physical features that are important to look for in working cattle are strong feet and legs. An animal with too much curving of the rear legs will struggle with longevity as working animals. When

by Mary Osmer

Calf Selection Joe and Mack are twin Dutch Belted steers I bought at a week old in May 2025. I found my team on Facebook and reached out to the owners to see if they would be willing to sell their calves as a pair for oxen training. When looking for a pair of bull calves, for someone interested in training young oxen, it is best to get

Joe & Mack on pasture at two weeks old.

Rural Heritage

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