The Amish year begins not January 1 but when the ground thaws. March, sometimes April. Farmer goes out, grabs a handful of soil, squeezes. Falls apart — too early. Holds together — time.
Plow
Two-bottom plow on horse power. Two Belgian horses (or mules). Farmer walks behind, grips handles. 8-10 hours daily. 2-3 acres. In a week — entire field ready.
Why Not a Tractor
Tractor does the same in a day. But a tractor compacts soil (3 tons of pressure). Horse doesn't (400 kg on four hooves). After 20 years of tractor plowing, soil is dead. After 200 years of horse plowing — alive.