High gas prices drive farmer to switch to mules

[shain from kane]

Digg it del.icio.us AIM

The Associated Press


MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. --High gas prices have driven a Warren County farmer and his sons to hitch a tractor rake to a pair of mules to gather hay from their fields. T.R. Raymond bought Dolly and Molly at the Dixon mule sale last year. Son Danny Raymond trained them and also modified the tractor rake so the mules could pull it.

T.R. Raymond says the mules are slower than a petroleum-powered tractor, but there are benefits.

"This fuel's so high, you can't afford it," he said. "We can feed these mules cheaper than we can buy fuel. That's the truth."

And Danny Raymond says he just likes using the mules around the farm.

"We've been using them quite a bit," he said.

Brother Robert Raymond added, "It's the way of the future."

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I wonder if they are related to this notorius fellow?

For 13 years as chairman and chief executive, Lee R. Raymond propelled Exxon, the successor to John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust, to the pinnacle of the oil world.

[Squatch]

1. Are mules more fuel-efficient than petrol-powered vehicles?

I don't think so.

[kestrel91316]

3. They work for less $ investment.

The best draft animals, however, from a $ standpoint, are those which can reproduce themselves. Oxen and draft horses.........Just ask the Amish, who are laughing all the way to the bank these days.

[shain from kane]

4. Less than one horsepower per mule.

[lumberjack_jeff]

6. Mule exhaust is a better fertilizer. n/t

[bananas]

7. OH NO THEY USE FOOD FOR FUEL!!!!!

People will starve because horses are using food for fuel!

[Roon]

2. STOP THE ANIMAL SLAVERY!!!

[kestrel91316]

5. I suggest you volunteer your services pulling the plow, then,

if you want to eat.