Is it easier to use TRACTORS or HORSES for farm work?? Let's hear Jim’s answer…  

The views on this video keep increasing, yet the thumbs up are not. Come on people. Press the thumbs up

In my opinion, there is NOTHING you need to change Jim in how you conduct your business.

What a beautiful picture this would make of all the horse's following behind one another on the calendar ❤🐴

I feel it's a very admirable quality for Jim to be able to say that he, "should have done this, or should have done that," not many people can be so honest.

Ken (aka Kenny) sure is a BIG and beautiful Percheron horse !!

So cool seeing Brenda ride in her cut off shorts. True farm woman

I like your training method, just enough for the task at hand, you never set them up for failure.

I'm sure Skippy gets a LOT of exercise each day - must sleep well at night !! 😊

Leather creaking and curb chain clinking, Ken draws the cultivator with ease, stones bounce off the tines and Brenda guides Kens head while Jim controls the handles. Great video. Thanks so much.

The color of Bree’s mane& tail make her stand out in the group of beautiful horses!❤

Time will come that we'll all wish we knew about farming with horses 😮

How delightful to see the horses come home.

Good Day Jim and Brenda, Thank You Both for the wonderful and informative video. When you took us along to round up your horses and you walked us through the hemlock grove. It suddenly dawned on me on what a great retreat Ken and Earl and the group have to get out of the flies and have some shade from the summer heat. Brenda your garden looks fantastic and I know gardening is one of your passions for sure. Also after watching riding Ken cultivating the garden and your natural position on the horse. I still am of the opinion that you should think about training Duke under saddle and take some riding lessons so that you can perfect your skills and enjoy horses even more. After observing you grooming and talking to the horses . I know how much you enjoy them. If you decide to pursue driving a horse , you've got a natural teacher in Jim. .I personally get so much peace and serenity and look so forward to the new episodes of "Working Horses With Jim "

Working with horses obviously is a lot of work, especially when you have 3 or more teams and you are trying to keep them in good physical condition. Through your videos I have come to an appreciation of just how much work it is to care for the number of horses that you have. It certainly must be a labor of love and I commend you and Brenda for it. You have shown us a way of life that is rare in today's hectic world. Thank you from Southeast Wisconsin.

The horse looks happy in the hemlock forest and hanging out at the water hole on this hot day. Your dog has a great life. he is so cute.

That's funny cute that they lay eggs in Duke and Earls hay. Love the horses.

I like the wider rows, I'm a big person lol. Perfect for plowing thru with a horse and do the "in between plants" by hand. IMO, the narrow rows are pretty much for people with minimum space and want more plants per sq feet. Since you have the space, why not, make the wide rows. As for corn, I am guessing it isn't a whole lot you can do unless you want to increase rows but the horses would have to have a muzzle basket to keep them from swipe-eating the corn. Skip is doing well, not harassing the horses as much but keeping cats away lol. Hope William will come back in the fall if he has work but it's good to have him around whenever you need him. Jim, you HAVE praised the horses from time to time, particularly with the young ones and the older ones, not so much is needed. Putting back in the barn or pasture turn out is a "thank you" from you to them. Brenda does the grooming and pats and nice kind words, I know they loved it as much as they do working for you. Carry on, Brenda and Jim!

Well, I do praise my horses from time to time, but they don't get any treats. That makes them unfocused. You don't praise often, but you don't get angry often either 😁 (or probably never) . So that's ok. The tractor is easier, but there are also things that are really easier with the horse. In narrow woods, for example, or between rows of corn or potatoes, especially if they are already tall or the ground is quite damp. Great weekend for all of you!! -Chris

I love this video Jim and Brenda I want to say that you both along with the horses are a great team Also Jim my dad was like you and he has been gone now for 12 years and he was not big on praise but didn't mean he did not love us He like you was just that kind of man Him and I got along great too Have a blessed weekend Also I would love to come to your farm and see the horses and you and Brenda too ❤

Ken looks like a bulldozer pulling the cultivator😂❤

Brenda, how did you and Jim meet? I love a good love story like the two of you have. Lisa from Michigan

I think Brenda is the leader. When you are away there is no sparkle in anyone's eyes❤❤❤.

Can't believe how tall Bre is, she's almost as big as Duke n Earl I feel like I see you often enough “praise “ your horses, your horses “know”. ❤

Dear Jim and Brenda, Thank you so much for taking us along with your day. In my mind, your days are the epitome of ideal farm life! I've watched so many of your videos you seem like family and watching Earl and Duke grow up and seeing how big they got compared to when you first got them just amazes me! I'll never forget the day you brought one of them in the house to have coffee and doughnuts and he thanked you by pooping in the foyer! And Brenda just calmly saying to you, "you're cleaning it up." All in a days work and fun on a farm! It's all gold! Love you guys!! 🥰

My answer to the question is as follows: Driving a tractor doesn't require as many skills as driving a team generally. But it also depends on the horses and the kind of work. Very well trained horses can make it easy, 'green' or insufficiently trained horses can make it very difficult. Let's not forget the satisfaction one gets out of the willingness and intuitive cooperation with good horses.

Beautiful garden! 😊❤

Very interesting video sharing👍👍👍👍Really happy watching🧡🧡Success for you

Teamwork does it every time! A good job done by yourself & Jim and of course good old Ken.

Brenda l would say the wider rows are much better as you need as much ventilation through your Tomatoes,it looking absolutely fantastic.

Jim was talking about praising his horses and outwardly showing them affection. I see Jim’s horses and I think they are very happy and comfortable working for him. I never get the impression that they feel like he’s forcing them to do anything and that they are unhappy with their life. I am the type of person who gushes all over their horses and am constantly rewarding them and praising them. That is me and my personality. I really don’t think my horses need all of that, but that’s the way I’m made. Jim isn’t naturally like that but his horses are just fine with it. The biggest gift Jim gives to his horses is consistency and fairness. Horses need that more than anything when it comes to their training process. They need to know what to expect and that they’re going to be treated fairly. That is what enables horses to relax and do their work. Jim does that. He doesn’t need to gush all over them and tell them what a great job they are doing. They do their job because they understand what’s expected of them and they are treated fairly. When they are confused, he sees that and adjusts what he’s doing so that they can figure it out. Horses learn when they are relaxed and feel safe. His horses are that way. They are doing fine with the way he is handling them. Since it is my personality to compliment my horses and gush all over them, that works for me. It comes naturally to me. If it doesn’t come naturally to Jim, that is fine. His horses don’t look like they are feeling underappreciated or mistreated. Everyone is different. And the proof is in the pudding. Jim’s horses are some of the most relaxed, content workers I have ever seen. And these horses do work for a living! If they were unhappy, it would show in the videos. They look great! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

There are some things about horses that are easier than tractors. You can't tell a tractor to move up two inches so you don't have to climb up on the seat again. The tractor can't drive itself up a hill pulling a load of logs. If you want the tractor to move, you have to climb up on that seat every single time. The tractor also can't reproduce itself. If it is wearing out, you are going to work the hours to pay for it and the interest. Tractors don't always start on a cold morning when you have cattle to feed, but the horses will get up and go on those cold mornings. Not to say that horses don't go lame or get sick, but you don't have to think they are going to let you down on a cold morning just because it is cold. Tractors don't run on grass, so you have to figure in your fuel costs, and the number of hours you have to work to earn that fuel. You can't make your own gas for the winter either. Mostly, tractors don't whinny because they are glad to see you.

That was a long walk go get the horses. No wonder you are in such great shape. The horses look so beautiful with their shiny coats from all your brushing Brenda.

All of the horses are beautiful but my goodness what a beautiful creature Baron has grown into!

Baron is really muscled up compared to Duke and Earl! Glad to hear Lady is allowing Bill out with her and June. Hopefully Bree too, soon.

Your garden looks amazing! I was glad to see the rain and standing waters last week didn’t harm it. The flowers are so pretty! I wanted to ask you what did the flowers look like that you planted around the pond last year? I would love to see them on a future video.

I hadn't noticed till now that their subscribers are over 100K !!!! Nice!!! Congratulations!!! 👍👍👍

That’s such an awesome picture of the horses following Jim.

Hello Jim and Brenda, another terrific video of you guys day to day life. Some of us dream of such a life. We realize the dedication and work involved. Bless you folks for sharing. ❤Your videoing and editing skills are awesome and appreciated.

Love your videos. May the lord bless and protect you and your family. Jim working the horses

Jim, great camera shots and editing job of you, Brenda and Ken cultivating the garden. 👍 Brenda, I can't tell you how to grow your okra, but in the South, including Texas where I live, we like our okra cut up into small pieces and fried in corn meal. It's really good that way!

I live in Texas and okra grows well here. We like it fried and in gumbo. Some folks also eat it boiled, but it is too slimy for me that way. For fried okra, I cut it into 1/4 inch rounds then dip in an egg was then cornmeal and place on a cookie sheet to flash freeze for an hour or so before bagging (this keeps it from sticking together in the bag). For gumbo you can freeze it whole after blanching in boiling water like green beans. Again, it is better to flash freeze on a cookie sheet so it doesn’t stick together.

So so admire the farmer you are Jim . Brenda you keep those ponies so shiny! They are gleaming and don't look like they lack grazing time😂😂. Thank you for addressing my question Jim You remain an incredible trainer with a team eager and happy to work. I marvel at how careful Ken is with his foot placement. Trying so hard not to tromp on Mom's cucumbers! Great video.

That was neat watching right behind ken

I've just got a pony who has only done a handful of miles in the cart. I find it's best to keep quiet when she's going well, if I start saying 'good girl' she thinks it's a new command

Skipper is doing much better. He is still a puppy but learning fast I think! Love these videos!😊❤

It was neat to hear the creaking of the harness when Brenda carried the camera while cultivating.

I truly loved watching you walk the horses to the barn ,,,thanks

Brenda your garden is great. Beautiful. I raised okra for several years. Has a nice yellow bloom. About 1 1/2 days after blooming it's ready to pick. Pick them about 2 - 2 1/2 in long. Jim...in my opinion I think you can praise or give animals too much attention. Horses are work animals They can tell when your pleased with them. Like my uncle used to say tell them to do it. Don't beg and baby talk them. Pretty much kids are the same. Do not mistreat them. They will be fine

South Alabama here ...I cut up okra in bite size pieces (1/2 inch or so) put corn meal and a lil flour and salt and 2 or 3 T. of oil and sorta stir fry it and mash it down as it cooks,,flipping it etc. I love it this ol fashion way..I also do the same with the corn meal /flour /salt and deep fry individual pieces . I also put okra in my beans and peas. Of course okra is a staple for Gumbo in the south.

Jim I've heard you compliment your horses quite often.

All of this video was so lovely. You riding the horse while he pulls a plow. Amazing. Bringing the horses back home from way out back in the woods. All of it. Thank you 🙏

Farm life. ❤️ We just scattered my parents ashes on our farm in PA. They were the FOURTH generation (of six) to live there. First built by my second great grandparents before the civil war!

Beautiful line of horses in the opening but when does a farm of your size become horse poor? Been a steady viewer for four yrs. Good job

Jim is the leader, and they know it.

Oh Brenda. You gave me a chuckle. Half gelding 😂. A buddy years ago tried to get some of the terminology right... well she came up with Stud mare 😂😂😂 Thanks for the chuckle. My dad had horses we did light work with and I had a little Bay filly. Yep she was a sweetie and smart. Love your videos ❤

37:59 Nem oil or b.t. for your cabbage and broccoli with a little dish soap The okra likes warm dry weather I do what we call whipping it After you cut the okra pod take the leaf off

Good video! Hope ya'll have a good weekend.

🧐Good Vid as usual, I thought camera work around the garden pretty nice different angles views, William heads up interesting, Q&A at the end etc very informative, Jim/Brenda 👍👋

Their coats are so beautiful. Nice and shiny.

Love the picture of the horses all in a row. Beautiful sight. Baron has muscled up so well and good and faithful Ken is a great teacher. Thank you for your channel

Jim, don't change a thing in how you treat your horses. You handle them great.

Hi Brenda, I think the best way to prepare okra is with green tomatoes. I chop the okra into half inch pieces. I discard the tops. I then quarter the green tomatoes. Next I place the chopped green tomatoes and okra in a large bowl and dust with plain flour, salt and pepper. I use tallow to fry in a cast iron pan until brown and crispy. It is to die for as southerns would say. My daughter in law makes a mean gumbo using okra, but will not share the recipe. ☹️

Ashes work for bug controll too in compost and on plants lightly

Oh wow, woulda thought Baron would be the leader. Ken is an okd boy now and probably just wants to chill

If Jim made you some clean rye straw (cut at first pollen) you could mulch those nice wide rows and have very few weeds to worry about the rest of the summer. The straw breaks down and feeds the soil, it's easy to turn over in the spring. They are all looking good, Bree has filled out and the red horses are punchy as they were meant to be. thanks for sharing.

Love all that you do with your animals. Horses were the backbone of everyday farm life, and for some, still are. Truly, we can not be without them.

Okra is a real heat loving plant . The fruit forms quickly after the flowers start. I use a lot of compost & my plants were over 6 feet tall. Harvest daily once the fruit appears It is better to pick when it is small .if allowed to get too large it becomes tough & woody. My family love it breaded & fried. I cook it with stewed tomatoes,soups & gumbo. It is also wonderful pickled .

All of the horses are very beautiful.

The garden looks wonderful.

Those Suffolk Punch's horses are getting massive. Wow! Can't wait to see Bree and June are they going to turn up been half Belgian and Suffolk Punch.🐎

They are beautiful all walking following Jim! ❤ Your garden looks so nice, Brenda! Yes, I think Skip has really calmed down & just seems to enjoy hanging out with you guys! I'm glad you had William as long as you did. I sure can understand why you let him go...he seemed like a really good guy. Glad he found a new job! Thanks for your wisdom, Jim!! I always enjoy your videos!! 😊 💕

Jim, it was wonderful to see you leading your string of beautiful horses. The tree area where they were hanging looked to be a cool place. So pretty. Brenda, your garden is so very nice. You have landscaped the area in front of your greenhouse beautifully. Gorgeous to see. 😊😊😊

Skippy is such a good dog. Brenda I really enjoy seeing your flowers. As far as okra goes I haven’t grown any because it’s so readily available here (south Louisiana) but I do know you pick it before it gets large because it gets tough.

Wonderful views of Duke in the garden. Loved it!!!

Farm people treat their horses like beautiful family members. City people feed horses to their pets.❤❤❤.

They are so well behaved I think.

Great Video. Thank You for Sharing. 😊

LOVE YOUR HORSES !!!!!!!!!!!!

the tractor is just a machine how much joy do you get of working your horses compared to operating a tractor am guessing a hole lot of joy and also knowing your keeping a legacy alive by useing the horses along side teaching the horses you have to pull its what they are breed to do period

I don't have too many growing tips for okra. It's good cooked in such a way as to manage the slime, somehow. Pickling is good. battered and fried a little hard is also good, that cooks the stickiness out of the center. there's also ways to prep it to make it even slimier, if you're into that sort of thing. Harvest varies. you want them probably as long as your finger, hence their name "ladyfingers" in other languages. Don't let them get too long, they'll get woody and tough and lose flavor. Maybe no longer than Jim's middle fingers. Some are thicker than others, but in general you want plump, healthy looking. Hope that helps.

Well, I gotta chime in here and give my 2 cents. I see you giving good boys and pats on the rump and neck all the time Jim. Your close to those animals and you probably aren't aware of how much you do praise them. Ignore the naysayers Jim you're a good steward of animals.

Thankyou Jim 👌

The Okra looks good. It may not produce well... it likes long hot days. We grew it when I was a kid in Oklahoma, but it won't produce for me in Colorado. In Oklahoma the plants would get t44 to 5 feet tall with stalks about as big around as a childs arm. In Colorado my okra only grew a couple feet tall. Hopefully yours will produce for you. Pick it at about 3 in long. It is best in my opinion mixed with tomatoes and a fair amount of chilli powder. It can be slimy on its own but mixing with tomatoes will tame the slime. It can also be breaded and fried. Serve with catfish and cornbread. Yum yum yum. Pickled okra makes a delicious treat.

I love your videos. You guys are awesome for all you do with the horses!

What a pleasure to be able to watch your videos! Thank you

What an excellent lookin group of healthy hard workin horses beautiful !!!😍😍😍😍

Jim, you don't need to change your methods just because someone who may have never even touched a horse, or been on a farm. You have a tough job, and you need to do what works for you. Don't succumb to the faceless internet minions.

Jim, if you only farmed with a tractor , I probably wouldn’t be an avid viewer. I’m here to enjoy the horses and everything you do with them. I love them all!! Oh, and you, Brenda and Skippy too! 😊

Thank you sharing this video and answering some nosy questions. Thank you sharing your lives with us. God bless.❤

It's great the way that they follow Jim and the lead horse. I raised bed wide row everything that I can - even corn. But not pole beans - these I just raised bed. Your garden looks wonderful.

I love Okra. I've grown them over my head. It's a southern crop however, what I've found is that they like early wet, late dry with lots of humid heat and it seems mine loved acidic soil which is not the norm for most crops. I would look to your seeds. These things will grow any where there is soil.

Skippity-do-da is such a great addition!

Great video. I was raised on a garden when I was young we always had the wide rows . Made it easer to get the rototiller though. I think your garden is beautiful looks great. It has to be fun riding on ken . Would love to ride a big draft horse like that..

Try frying your okra in meal and flour like you would green tomatoes and i have a question do you rotate your older square bales of hay before you stack your fresh cut?

I tell ya,,that Bree is the most beautiful one of all IMO.

👍👍👍👍👍 do not change anything JMHO Damn fine looking horses.

WOW Loved the wild camera angles and sounds to go with!!! I gardened with a very handy mini horse a couple of years and she was a life saver. I put a grass muzzle on her so she wouldn't nibble and away we went. After her I became only a container gardener because I was unable to even use a tiny power tiller. I like big Ken, though. What a steady guy. Beu-ti-ful garden. Horses do not respond like house pets to praise. I talked all the time as I worked my horses like we were having a conversation. Not a lot of praise but they loved me and I them. Really good video and thanks.

Hard hard work that most people don’t understand!

You will be much more likely to sell the sheds if you put a ‘for sale’ sign on them with the price. Take it from a marketer with experience. 😉

Hi Brenda, my area is a little warmer than yours, and my Okra grows to 5 or 6 feet tall. I pick the pods when still tender, about 3 to 4 inches long. Enjoy............