The image of oxen pulling covered wagons across the American plains is deeply rooted in history, leading many to assume these working animals are entirely absent from modern life. While they are no longer the primary engine of large-scale agriculture, oxen continue to exist and work in the United States today. Their role has shifted from a common farm necessity to a specialized form of draft power maintained by dedicated teamsters.
What Defines an Ox
The term “ox” is a functional designation, not a species or breed, referring to any bovine trained for draft work under a yoke. Oxen are typically castrated adult male cattle, known as steers, because castration inhibits aggression and promotes the docile temperament needed for teamwork and obedience. This makes them safer and easier to manage than intact bulls.
Training transforms a steer into an ox, a process that can take years, with the animal generally considered fully trained around four years of age. During this time, they learn specific voice commands like “gee” to turn right and “haw” to turn left, guided by a teamster. They are harnessed with a wooden yoke that fits across the neck and shoulders, allowing them to effectively use their body weight and strength to pull heavy loads.
Current Presence and Usage in America
Oxen are found across the United States, though they are concentrated in certain regions, particularly the Northeast. A 2021 survey identified nearly 1,800 working oxen spread across 39 states, with the largest populations in New England. Their continued presence results from their specialized utility and cultural significance.
Their primary modern uses are niche, focusing on low-impact and specialized tasks. Teamsters utilize oxen for sustainable or small-scale farming, where the animals’ slower pace and lighter footprint prevent the soil compaction caused by heavy machinery. Oxen are also valuable in logging, especially in rugged or steep terrain where large mechanical equipment cannot easily maneuver.
A significant portion of their activity centers around public events. These include agricultural fairs, historical reenactments, and competitive pulling events. These competitions, which have a history spanning over 200 years in the Northeast, showcase the animals’ strength and the teamster’s skill. Oxen are also maintained at living history farms and educational centers to preserve the traditional skills of draft animal management.
Cattle Breeds Used for Ox Work in the U.S.A.
Any breed of cattle can be trained to become an ox, but certain breeds are better suited for the demanding work. The selection process focuses on disposition, strength, and size, as a calm temperament is paramount for effective training and handling. Dual-purpose and heritage breeds are often favored over modern, highly specialized beef or dairy cattle.
Among the most commonly used cattle for ox work in the U.S. are Milking Shorthorns, known for a good balance of size and manageable temperament. Holstein-Friesians, despite being primarily dairy animals, are also frequently trained due to their large frame and readily available supply. Other popular choices include Brown Swiss and American Milking Devon, a heritage breed historically valued for its draft capabilities.
The American Milking Devon is noteworthy, as it was one of the breeds used during the settlement of the country. For new teamsters, breeds with a reputation for being calm and easygoing, like the Brown Swiss, are recommended. However, the success of an ox team ultimately relies more on the individual animal’s disposition and the consistency of its training than on its specific breed lineage.