Haying on the Meadows, Northfield, Massachusetts, circa 1900

Oxen were the main source of power on many American farms before the development of portable steam and internal combustion engines. Farmers making hay might use oxen to haul loaded wagons (as shown here) or other haying equipment including mowers, rakes, tedders, and loaders. Using specially designed treadmills, oxen could also power presses and operate hay forks.