Fall Tillage Workshop at Howell Living History Farm, Sept. 11 - 13, 2026
Workshop Description
ALHFAM members seeking to refine skills in horsedrawn tillage operations are invited to apply for a free workshop to be held at Howell Living History Farm, Hopewell Township, NJ, September 11 – 13, 2026.
During the workshop, six participants will work alongside farmers who are plowing and planting a 3-acre field of winter wheat with horsedrawn equipment. Timothy hay will be down with the wheat in concert with the farm's crop rotation. Six teams of horses will be used, with one participant and one farmer/instructor working with each team to provide intensive hands-on involvement in each phase of the operation.
There is no cost to participate. The workshop is offered by the Mercer County Park Commission and the Friends of Howell Farm in support of public programs that foster the growth of sustainable communities. The wheat resulting from the workshop will provide flour for local food banks as well as the seed, feed and straw needed on the farm.
Skills and methods taught during the workshop are specific to Howell Farm's period of interpretation, which features a 7-year grain/hay crop rotation system used by local farmers at the turn of the 20th century.
To participate, applicants must submit a letter of interest, along with their institution’s letter of support, to Friends of Howell Farm Office Manager Danielle Gilmore at dgilmore@howellfarm.org.
Workshop Fellowships will be awarded to ALHFAM members responsible for the planning and/or performance of farming operations at a living history site, or at an open-air or agricultural museum. Letters of interest and support should reflect the applicant's and institution’s commitment to the preservation of historical farming systems that contribute to the growth of sustainable agriculture and communities through research, training, education and public history programs. Participants must be familiar with harnessing, hitching, and driving draft teams, and with animal-drawn plows and tillage equipment, and must commit to participating fully in all three days of the workshop.
Content Overview
Each day focuses on a specific phase of the wheat planting operation and combines intensive, hands-on work with related field conversations about animal, soil, and equipment conditions and care. Members of ALHFAM's Skills Training and Preservation team will be present to document elements of the workshop. Because the farm is open to the public during Day One and Two of the workshop, visitors may be present and can observe and learn about the workshop with the help of Howell Farm interpreters.
Day One (Plowing):
Focus is on draft animal and equipment needs and care; field care and layout; striking out furrows; walking and riding plow adjustments and use; roller/packer use; and 2- and 3-horse hitching. We will also cover techniques for allowing school students and other visitors to safely and effectively experience plowing. At the end of Day One, primary tillage (plowing) of the 3-acre wheat field will be complete.
Day Two (Secondary Tillage): Covers assessing soil conditions and determining which implement(s) will be best suited for preparing the soil for planting. Equipment used includes spike tooth, spring tooth and disc harrows; plank drags; and evener set-ups for 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-horse hitches. At the end of Day Two, the field will be properly harrowed and ready for planting.
Day Three (Planting, Packing): Concentrates on grain drill calibration; seed cleaning; efficient planting patterns; and field planting and packing techniques. At the end of Day Three, the field will be planted with winter wheat and timothy hay. A wrap-up session will provide the group with a chance to review and evaluate the planting operation and workshop and obtain take-home materials.
Logistics
Arrival
Thursday, September 10th with Welcome Supper at 7p.m.
Lodging
Onsite room & board is provided by the Friends of Howell Farm.
Liability and Waivers
Participants must:
– sign a standard County of Mercer “hold harmless” form.
– agree to be photographed and interviewed by workshop staff.
– agree to participate in farming and training operations conducted during public hours when visitors may be present.
Deadline for Application Letters and Announcement of Fellowship Awards: Letters of interest and institutional support must be received by Monday, August 3rd, 2026.
– Recipients of training fellowships will be notified by Monday, August 10th.
Contact Information
– GPS Address: 70 Woodens Lane, Lambertville, NJ 08530
– Mailing Address: 101 Hunter Rd., Titusville, NJ 08560
– General Inquiries: Pete Watson at 609-737-3299 (Howell Farm Office) or pwatson@howellfarm.org
– Letters of Interest and Support should be sent to Danielle Gilmore, Office Manager, Friends of Howell Farm dgilmore@howellfarm.org
