Life on the farm

When I made the decision to have animals I knew I had to be prepared to see all sides and instances of their lives. From the joy of birth, their shenanigans while growing up and the hardest part, the sorrow of death. Most people have become so disconnected from where they get their food. A lot of people even think it's quaint to have a garden as "Why would I need to? The grocery store is right there". Some people think I'm crazy being willing to put in so much effort into feeding people. My farm is mainly vegetables but in order to have balance you need animals. Of course it's a challenge. Anytime you are working with Mother Nature you never know what will happen. You just have to do your best. Plan, give yourself lots of options and well... Believe. When things go wrong move on to plan B, then C and so on.

I've had so many firsts here and I've only been the proud owner of this farm for 6 months! I've already done massive renovations to the 150 year old farmhouse. I've gone into the woods and cut down trees to make fencing. Planted my garlic. Built a greenhouse. Have my own chickens and pigs and so much more.

I went into this with my eyes open and ready to do what needed to be done. I had no illusions. This choice was going to be great but very tough.

Which brings me to today and the pigs I've raised for the past six months. Each time I've gone to feed them I've checked them over, ensuring they were healthy and happy. I made sure they had lots of space to enjoy and a warm place with lots of hay to cuddle up together. They have done a great job turning the earth and have brought many smiles to our family. I've learned a lot of lessons about having pigs. I remember reading all these books about how to take care of them and how many thousand of things could go wrong. Frankly I think most of these books just scare people off when in fact it was almost too easy. I just practiced good sense. 

I bought Til and Ler from a reputable farmer who has been so wonderful, answering any questions I had always with a smile. Both gilts checked over to be in excellent health. I started right away with working to calm them and get them used to me, giving them rub downs at feeding time. They went on good grain and fresh kitchen scraps, always upping their feed when needed. When I measured them a couple weeks ago they were 227lbs and 236lbs. No wonder they could knock me over if I wasn't careful! 

It was time to make a call. 

A very kind man came yesterday to check them out to make sure they were ready. I really appreciated it as this was my first time and it's always great to have a pro check them out and give another opinion. He said he'd be here the next morning at 9am. With mixed feelings I agreed and thanked him and started to prepare myself. This was a moment I needed to experience. If I'm to raise these animals I need to recognise all stages and know.

I went into town last night with friends and left to come home before the sun was up. I can't voice my disappointment to arrive and find it was already over. He hadn't wanted me to see it done. He had come almost an hour before I was scheduled to be back. He took care of business. 

To me it felt too easy, like I failed them. I needed to say thank you and see for myself that they died well. Maybe I care too much, maybe I'm too hard on myself. I just felt responsible. I asked if it was quick and he said yes. He said they were good pigs and I'd done a great job. That the butcher would call me Tuesday, smiled and off he went.

He was great and I am so thankful to have found this support around me. This is the life I've chosen. It's not even 10am and today has already been one of the hardest days being the farmer. Still it's time to move on, set up for the next pigs who will be joining the farm this spring. I'm a farmer and I'm proud of it.