Hannah & Darienne giving the 4 very pregnant sows belly rubs. Perhaps Hannah’s good belly rubs this day for Tabitha & Grizabella encouraged them to delivery under her watch. (click for video)
This is the fifth winter than Hannah of Field Stone Farm has been working with us in the winter. It has been a great way to explore collaboration, bring in some fresh perspective and extra hands in the winter and offer Hannah, a fab vegetable grower, some experience and time with livestock. It has seemed that our pigs especially, but even our goats, were conspiring over the years to not give birth on her farm days, but that ended this year, when Grizabella & Tabitha delivered simultaneously, during the day and perhaps most importantly during Hannah’s day.
Below is Hannah’s reflection on that day. She eloquently and beautifully captured the magic and circle of life. It wasn’t an easy day, but shared with compassionate, dedicated farmers eases so many of the challenges and worries. Our deep gratitude to Hannah, Christina, Donna & Darienne.
Photos are: Calcium injection to help Tabitha during farrowing & Helping 1st piglet nurse to inspire next delivery b/c (too) long gap
They were magical days at @green_mountain_girls_farm this week. I was finally able to witness the farrowing process in its entirety, from nest building to delivery of placenta. Words cannot describe the beauty, nor can they capture my profound admiration and love for these animals. Sows, so sturdy and methodical in their instincts, become delicate. With two farrowing simultaneously and two recovering from delivery the previous day, the barn was meditating in quiet and became more than itself. Farmers turned to midwifery in the cold, standing smaller than ourselves, humble in front of a deep, deep ritual.
Hannah drying piglet on a very cold farrowing day after some complications
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I will never forget this day, for the opportunity to be part of something so undeniably real. Vegetables don’t really give birth with the same impact. Thankful for the opportunities to learn, to respect, to connect, to reflect. Thankful for these squirmy little bundles of squeaking joy. Thankful to share this farming community with so many incredible humans, but especially thankful for the women I am surrounded by!
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#womenwhofarm #farmhers#femalefoodheros#regenerativefarming#workwithdignity #foodwithdignity#pasturedpigs #vermontfarms#rootedinvermont
And if you don’t already follow Hannah on Instagram, you should! She is FieldStoneFarmer.
Piglet update: 29 are doing well, growing and scrambling in Main Barn. Countries is the naming scheme and many are named, but we are of course accepting other nominations for this batch and the rest of the crew for the year. See more photos and videos on Facebook, Instagram and Vimeo. And piglets are accepting views when you shop at the farmstand.