with current production methods it takes more petro fuels to farm the corn and refine the ethanol than the amount of ethanol produced.
I don't feel qualified to argue this point at all yet but had to jump in and point you toward an article (which of course I couldn't find sigh) but this one does mention "Today, drafts [horses] are making a powerful comeback thanks to a renewed interest in farming and logging practices that are both economical and environmentally conscious. Equipped with natural traction control, they're more satisfying to work with than cold steel and rubber - and, in many cases, more efficient. Nor do they pollute the air."
I read in a couple other places that small farmers are returning to horse plowing and logging because it is not only more satisfying and ecological but apparently much cheaper. Or so these articles spelled out. A plow is pretty easy to fix yourself whereas modern plows not so and you can breed a new horse. Well... anyway - I just thought it was interesting (and hey, I'm biased, I love big draft horses.)
I do know that farmers in VT (a heavy farming and logging state) are already doing stuff to support this fuel and that some of the state vehicles run on it.
When I was in the Forest Service, we frequently prescribed horse logging for ecologically sensitive areas. Areas with Amish populations often see a lot of demand for draft animal work. Ecologically and economically viable--best of both worlds.
Yeah what intrigued me too is that apparently it is also just plain easier in certain kinds of terrain. Never ocurred to me but yes, I suppose a horse is better at navigating rough terrain than your typical logging truck...
I don't feel qualified to argue this point at all yet but had to jump in and point you toward an article (which of course I couldn't find sigh) but this one does mention
"Today, drafts [horses] are making a powerful comeback thanks to a renewed interest in farming and logging practices that are both economical and environmentally conscious. Equipped with natural traction control, they're more satisfying to work with than cold steel and rubber - and, in many cases, more efficient. Nor do they pollute the air."
I read in a couple other places that small farmers are returning to horse plowing and logging because it is not only more satisfying and ecological but apparently much cheaper. Or so these articles spelled out. A plow is pretty easy to fix yourself whereas modern plows not so and you can breed a new horse. Well... anyway - I just thought it was interesting (and hey, I'm biased, I love big draft horses.)
I do know that farmers in VT (a heavy farming and logging state) are already doing stuff to support this fuel and that some of the state vehicles run on it.
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