"Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it".-Ernest Holmes
"Mirrors should think longer before they reflect"-Jean Cocteau
-
Hannah
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Self Portrait Series: Silence
"If you don't understand my silence how will you understand my words?"
"Spiteful words can hurt your feelings, but silence breaks your heart".- Mother Teresa
"My silence spoke a thousand words but you never heard them..."
Hannah
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
An Explaination
Let me explain a few things. I will admit, we are not perfect, the fields are not perfectly manicured, the fences are not always the best, and manure is a very normal part of this farm. I can assure you though, that even if the lawns have not been mowed, the animals were cared for before the farmers (my father and myself) had ever had their own breakfast.
There are a few unspoken rules to this farm. I will name a some of them, not in any particular order.
The livestock is always put first.
I have been running a fever, barely able to walk, feeding the stock before I had eaten, that is part of the job.
Respect.
The animals we raise die so that we can live. It is a fact of life. That means that I will respect and care for those animals right up to the end. The hogs can be loaded onto the trailer to go to the butcher shop, and I will make sure that they have the bedding and water that they need.
Compassion.
If it is sick, weak or small, I will fight tooth and nail to give it a chance. Many will not make it.I cannot even begin to count up how many animals have died in my arms. And every time even if I don't cry, grief tugs at my heart, but the pain is worth it if I can save even one animal.
It is not about what you have, it is about what you take care of.
My bad day at work.
Each one brands me, I will carry it with me. I learned a lesson from it, even if it tears me apart in the process. No one will ever truly understand.
Predators are not Enemies.
I do not hate all foxes, I actually find them really beautiful. Being a livestock farmer, my stock is domestic, many of them cannot defend themselves. Caring for them is not just feeding and watering them, it is protecting them too.
The difference between pets and farm animals is miles wide.This needs no explanation.
That is the few that I could think of. So now I will answer a couple of frequent questions and statements.
No, I do not want to see your list of everything that we are doing wrong.
Yes, I do get a little bit attached to each animal, I have to, so that I can care for them with true compassion.
No, I am not a vegetarian. That is part of respecting the fact that these animals died for me to live. (And I love a good pork chop).
Yes, I love my customers, but the saying "the customer is always right" is not always true in this line of work.
No, we are not a petting zoo, or a hobby farm, this is a working farm that hundreds rely on for food.
Yes, it is a little insulting when you compare what I do, to your neighbors that have three chickens and a duck. I know you don't mean it to be, so most of the time, I just let it roll.
No, I will not sell you a pig as a pet. That truly is not what they were made for, they can weigh 700-800lbs. In the "pet" environment they will only become unhealthy.
Yes, some days I hate my job. It is hard, intense, disgusting, and sometimes I wonder what it feels like to be surprised to have crap in your hair and on your face.
Even if my future leads me away from this lifestyle, I do believe that I have the best foundation for life. I will express one more thought, don't question the care we give our animals, we treat them better than we would you. If you feel the need to view animals without the harsh reality of life present, go to a zoo.
Hannah
There are a few unspoken rules to this farm. I will name a some of them, not in any particular order.
I have been running a fever, barely able to walk, feeding the stock before I had eaten, that is part of the job.
Respect.
The animals we raise die so that we can live. It is a fact of life. That means that I will respect and care for those animals right up to the end. The hogs can be loaded onto the trailer to go to the butcher shop, and I will make sure that they have the bedding and water that they need.
Compassion.If it is sick, weak or small, I will fight tooth and nail to give it a chance. Many will not make it.I cannot even begin to count up how many animals have died in my arms. And every time even if I don't cry, grief tugs at my heart, but the pain is worth it if I can save even one animal.
It is not about what you have, it is about what you take care of.
My bad day at work.
Each one brands me, I will carry it with me. I learned a lesson from it, even if it tears me apart in the process. No one will ever truly understand.
Predators are not Enemies.
I do not hate all foxes, I actually find them really beautiful. Being a livestock farmer, my stock is domestic, many of them cannot defend themselves. Caring for them is not just feeding and watering them, it is protecting them too.
The difference between pets and farm animals is miles wide.This needs no explanation.
That is the few that I could think of. So now I will answer a couple of frequent questions and statements.
No, I do not want to see your list of everything that we are doing wrong.
Yes, I do get a little bit attached to each animal, I have to, so that I can care for them with true compassion.
No, I am not a vegetarian. That is part of respecting the fact that these animals died for me to live. (And I love a good pork chop).
Yes, I love my customers, but the saying "the customer is always right" is not always true in this line of work.
No, we are not a petting zoo, or a hobby farm, this is a working farm that hundreds rely on for food.
Yes, it is a little insulting when you compare what I do, to your neighbors that have three chickens and a duck. I know you don't mean it to be, so most of the time, I just let it roll.
No, I will not sell you a pig as a pet. That truly is not what they were made for, they can weigh 700-800lbs. In the "pet" environment they will only become unhealthy.
Yes, some days I hate my job. It is hard, intense, disgusting, and sometimes I wonder what it feels like to be surprised to have crap in your hair and on your face.
Even if my future leads me away from this lifestyle, I do believe that I have the best foundation for life. I will express one more thought, don't question the care we give our animals, we treat them better than we would you. If you feel the need to view animals without the harsh reality of life present, go to a zoo.
Hannah
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