The debate rages on

About this time of year, you are probably considering capital purchases, and the issue often arises – should we go the tractor option, or fall back on the sheep? A tough one, we agree, but grass must be cut.

So here’s a simple guide to the pros and cons.

The Sheep ...for

• Self propelled, no operator required
• Quiet, except when upset
• Wool fibre by-product,  itchy but warm
• No garaging required, or road permit
• Makes good pet, outside only
• Cheap to run, powered by grass
• Responsive to barking (runs away)
• Useful for Nativity plays

The Tractor...for

• Available in many colours. Red and green popular
• Fast
• No dog required
• Multi-tasks: e.g. could drain a swamp, flatten a car, etc.

The Sheep ...against

• Only available in 2 colours, black or white
• No dealership support
• Some methane emission (do not smoke near sheep)
• Needs annual shearing, prone to foot rot
• May panic en masse
• Spare parts unavailable

The Tractor...against

• No by-products
• Expensive to run, powered by fossil fuels
• Loud, even at sheep speed
• Dangerous on hills
• Highly paid operator required
• Makes a lousy pet
• Inedible (but then so are our sheep)

Finally, Sir Edmond Hillary chose a tractor, not a sheep, to take to the South Pole. On the other hand, Ermengildo Zegna never made a suit from old John Deere parts; he prefers good merino wool.

You decide...