Today we had to say goodbye to two pigs, Revere and Drum. They had done their job here on our farm and will now provide healthy food for many people. People say you shouldn’t name animals that you are raising for meat, it makes it too hard. But on our farm, name or no name, we knew those two pigs — we only had 5. We did take a moment to say goodbye and thank them for the food they would soon provide. They just looked at me, content as ever, as the trailer pulled away. Just how I want our animals to be. They didn’t live a long life, but a healthy, calm, contented one.
I was a vegetarian for 20 years – mostly because I had deep concerns (and still do) about how most meat is raised and whether it is healthy for us, the animal and our world. But I know how this pork was raised – on organic grain (with plenty of garden/kitchen cuttings and some fresh goat’s milk these past few weeks), on pasture and plenty hay in the winter, having plenty of space to move around and with love (mostly conveyed via scratching behind the ears and of course belly rubs).
Saying goodbye to these pigs wasn’t the easiest farm job, but I am thrilled to be able to offer meat that was raised in a manner that is healthy for us, the animal and our world.
And as a part of completing the circle of life…Doodle is due with piglets in 2 weeks.