Tillers International and Rural Economic Development

Abstract

The author volunteered at Tillers International, a small farm in Kalamazoo that focuses on animal power and the education of others about that power. The author learned how to use the oxen to help with chores such as mowing the lawn, cleaning the stalls, and plowing and leveling. She also learned how Tillers gets its message out there. The founder, Dick travels to small developing countries and brings his ideas along. His purpose is to give the small farmer more options so that he may have a leg to stand on when the larger corporations move in. Tillers also invite visitors from these countries to come and learn here in the United States. Tillers prides itself on the fact that it is not a westernizing operation. They only wish to give options for those living in rural development.