MIDWEST OX DROVERS ASSOCIATION

Mission Statement:

To promote the use of Oxen to our American Youth as well as to those in foreign lands, so that all may be shown their diversity and skills, even in this modern world. We do this to keep our American Heritage alive and to educate those who can benefit from our experiences.

What is MidWest Ox Drovers Association?

MidWest Ox Drovers Association was started in 1996 by a group whose binding interest is in oxen-the use of, the training of, and skills that can be developed by the ox. This small group met at Tillers International in Kalamazoo, Michigan, as Tillers has a similar binding thread-oxen. Tillers does extensive teaching and training ox oxen in foreign countries where the people have the cattle but not the skills of training, etc. So, Tillers helps to teach the people of these countries how to train their cattle so they can use them to prepare fields for planting, then plant the fields and thus grow their own food. It is in this way that the people can become self-sufficient.

MidWest Ox Drovers Association has grown since 1996 and now has close to 180 members in at least 42 states in the United States,plus Canada, Germany and Africa. Not all members have oxen but they all share the love of the animal as well as wanting to keep alive our American Heritage.

The ox is a trusting animal and knows that if he is asked to do something his owner will not let him be hurt in doing it.

Each year in June the MidWest Ox Drovers Association (MODA) meets at Tillers International, in Scotts, Michigan. Some bring their own animals and work them on Tiller's grounds or give demonstrations. The  discussion and workshop sessions are a learning experience and a time for fellowship  and building friendships. We think ox people are the greatest!!

If you are interested in more information about MODA feel free to contact Steve Youdes our treasurer

5570 Houston Rd

Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

517-663-1807

What Else Does MODA Do?

Your membership dues go toward five (5) newsletters per year. This usually happens following the end of each quarter and a special edition at the beginning of June, just before our Gathering.

Members are encouraged to write Vicky Solomon -Editor at:

11333 Kile Rd

Chardon, OH 44024 or

e-mail

her at evrgrn@nls.net

or Judy Richmond

at tjrichmond59@gmail.com

with any questions you need answered or interesting stories about your experiences with oxen to put in the Newsletter, or just to share what you have have been doing with your animals. If you have questions they may be printed in the newsletter so that members can write or e-mail you with answers.

 MODA members are not charged to advertise items for sale,  or to let others know that you are interested in obtaining certain items.

The annual membership meeting for MODA is held on Saturday evening of each Gathering. Board members and officers are elected at this affair.

Annual events held at the yearly Gathering in addition to the annual membership meeting include:

An auction of donated items,

A Raffe of a team of calves

A wagon train and Prarie walk-We get all the teams together and go for a walk around Tiller's property.

A presentation by the experts and many more educational and fun events.Check the Gathering Page for a list of activities.