I am being contested from the tournament that I used a sillouette form a stock art book for the mule. So... I am posting #7 for your consideration. It is my original drawing of a mule now. Same logo, just an original mule. Same concept which is what I think you like.
In #7, could you split the mule and the roots apart putting the "blue mule farm" part in the middle. With the mule (blue) touching the "blue mule" part and the root ( now in brown) touching the "farm" part. Also the "Homegrown & handcrafted" part as an arch above the whole thing. Giving it a circular feel.
Well. They kicked me out for using that stock art...that I actually redrew. Thats ok. I violated the rules I guess! I can not compete in this contest anymore. :-(
You can always ask the other designers for the mule/root idea if you like the idea. That's what I was trying to get across other than a simple mile head in a circle or illustration of a mule. Have a concept behind it! Feel free it you like to use that concept an good luck!!!