Advocating for a Humane Food Process

Why do vegans attack the small farmers that so lovingly and dutifully care for their animals?

This question has perplexed me. Yet after recently receiving negative comments through both of my farm pages, it is one I have come to ponder.

While I have never even slightly considered the possibility of veganism, I do understand and appreciate their position on the plight of animal welfare. As a volunteer for a horse rescue, adopter of unwanted horses, cats and dogs, I take the humane treatment of animals to heart. In fact, I consider myself an advocate for animal welfare.

But to vegans, that isn't enough. They consider all animals to be part of the pet population. I guess that is where we part ways.

You see, I don't view livestock as pets, but as a vital part of a food process that was originally designed by our creator God to provide nourishment to our bodies.

A food process we have sadly drifted away from. The fast paced demands of our lifestyles have separated us from that process and has allowed for the corporatism to gain a foothold on the manufacturing of our food. One that doesn't care about the humane treatment of livestock, much less your health.

Drive through any town during meal hours and note the amount of people in the fast food drive-thrus. Folks this is not real food you are eating, but something created by a process driven solely by profits, not ethics.

Honestly I'm not sure we can ever change our current food system, we are all guilty of creating. It would require a change in lifestyle I'm not so sure many would consider.

But my suggestion to vegans is this...instead of bashing the small livestock farmers that are trying so hard to keep a healthy, humane food process, advocate for a lifestyle changes. For example, cut back on meat consumption in your diet, skip the drive-thrus for lunch by taking a few extra minutes in the morning to make your lunch at home, cook dinner at home and eat with your family, teach your children to cook, buy as much as possible from your local farmers and lastly expand your palate.

That is how you will ever truly make a positive change for our food process.

Farm Sales-September 2016

                         ~Our current offerings on the farm~

Tamworth Breeding Stock- (3) Boars available. Due to a non-payer we will not be registering this litter. They are over five months old. Typically these sell for $240 each. Since we're NOT registering them, they are for sale at $200 each. If they don't sell very soon, they will be available as barrows for $175 each. Discounts are available for multiple purchases. 

We also have (2) gilts available. One of these is not from our line. She was a runt we purchased as a companion to another we bought. So this is your chance to start an UNRELATED Tamworth line all at one farm. She is priced at $150 and is almost a year old, but small. The other gilt is related to the boars listed above, same age, and will also be sold WITHOUT registration. Typically these sell for $240 each, but she is priced at $200. 

(4) Heritage Breed Cross Piglets available now. These are priced at $75 each. We can raise yours if you don't have the property. We charge $3.50 per pound hanging weight plus processing fees for a whole pig. $150 deposit. $3.75 per pound hanging weight plus processing fees for a half pig. $100 deposit. These pigs will be raised on pasture, and forest. 

Bo-Peep-the unrelated gilt for sale

ADGA LaManchas- (2) does available. Gabriela- http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=L001721856 who is IN MILK. She is a first freshener, and stands great on the milk stand. She has an agreeable personality and gets along with the other does. Priced at $400.  

Gabriela-doe in milk for sale 

We also have one 2016 doe kid available. Registration will be completed by buyer. She is out of our doe Elena- http://www.adgagenetics.org/GoatDetail.aspx?RegNumber=L001721857

She is priced at $350. 

One of these doe kids are for sale

Our GOAT MILK HERD SHARE IS NOW OPEN! 

Contact us for more information.

A most precious gift for the farm

We received a most heartfelt and meaningful gift. Our dear friends Vickie and Paul, who have cared for the animals while we were out of town, asked Paul's dad who is an artist to paint a replica of our new horse barn. 

Those of you who are long-time page followers know how much time, and hard work we put into this barn. This was a family effort over a couple of years. Jim, the boys and I have put a lot of love into this barn.

So when they gave us the painting, those wonderful memories shared as a family working together on this barn, filled my heart and mind. The kindness and thoughtfulness behind such a precious gift is priceless. 

Thank you Paul and Vickie, and to your father Paul. He has a God given talent. It is a beautiful gift. One we will cherish the rest of our lives. 

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9

Fair 2016

A long, hot week at the fair has come to an end and we made it through. 

As demanding a commmitment as it is in itself, the extra work has been compounded by the heartbreaking loss our family endured just a few months ago. 

Luke began working with Graffiansdipity Smoke back in March.

Smoke is a retired reiner, who did not know what to do when she wasn't able to do her job she so loved for many years.

Aubrey took her in and gave her a new job as a lesson horse. But it still wasn't the same. So Aubrey paired Luke with her, and something clicked. It was at a time, they both needed each other.

Under the training of Flint and Aubrey of Adkins Quarter Horses, Smoke is being tuned up as a reiner once again for Luke to learn and show.

These two have bonded, and make a great team together.

For only their second time showing together in both Ranch Pleasure and Trail classes, they placed third in both.

For their first time in a reining and open walk trot class, they were second (just a bit off pattern), and fourth.

Horses have always been therapy for us. I truly believe Smoke and Luke have been just that to each other.

Summer Respite

Spent some family bonding time on a Virginia beach reflecting upon the past six months, and renewing our faith and strength in the Lord. 

As much as I love the country life and farming, I do truly appreciate the beauty and serenity of the ocean. 

Growing up close to the Jax beaches provided me with many fond childhood memories. 

The sound of the waves and the smell of the sea air while there, took me back to those simpler times.

Though we missed our critters, we knew they were in good hands, thanks to our friends Vickie and Paul.

As always, we were glad to come back home to the farm.

Blessings of Eyal

We were blessed to be gifted this beautiful boy by some goat friends in Northern Ohio. 

Though we had never met Lori and her family, they heard through another goat friend we needed a buck for our herd. Learning of our son's passing, they reached out to us.

Today we were finally able to meet in person. She made us a wonderful lunch as well. Thank you Lori and Elijah (her son, it was his buck) at Joyful Noise Homestead for this incredible gift. We will always remember your kindness!

I also want to thank Adrienne at Qadosh Adamah Dairy Goats for her part in this. 

Spring Days on the Farm are Busy Days

Valentina, our first doe kid of the season. 

As the days slip by since the loss of our son Ethan, I find myself struggling to keep up. The demands of raising a family on a farm compares to those of little else. Daily chores require much effort and focus. During birthing and milking seasons, the work is exasperated. It takes every member of the family to assist in accomplishing these tasks. 

One member of our family is missing. His contributions affected every aspect of our lives. They can never be replaced.

In our devastation, I have found solace through my faith in the Lord and his promises.

It is through farm living, I have gained an appreciation for the simple things in life; the solitude of a walk on our land, the stillness in watching my animals graze on a lovely day. The goodness of unadulterated food the way nature intended. Hugs and kisses from a newborn calf, or goat kid, and the gentle nudge from the snout of a piglet. All these things….and yet so much more.

So we press on, and do what is necessary to continue experiencing these simple things. But most of all, to care for and make use of what the Lord has given us.

I am not sure I will ever experience the true fulfillment I once had in any sense. But it is time, more than the basics are accomplished, and I look forward to sharing those with you.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." -Romans 12:12