01/13/2025
Mama Luna needed some cuddles from her mama after her delivery. She had 4 kids this year and only one survived despite our best efforts.
As a farmer, we know death is part of breeding and raising livestock. Our mortality rate is very low, but when it happens it doesn’t make it hurt less. It’s even harder in the rare case a mom is lost. We spend countless hours watching cameras at all times of the night, and bundle up for the frigid temperatures to check on mamas when they choose to sit facing towards the camera. (We sure don’t miss the days before cameras!) We live with these animals day in and day out. They really are our babies. We spend an incredible amount of time, energy and money on them. If a calf is lost, that’s thousands gone. If a goat kid or piglet is lost, that’s hundreds gone. It’s not all about the money, but to a full time farmer such as my mom and Tyler, it’s the loss of a paycheck. Each and every baby is truly important to us.
Today I sat in the barn all day for 3 of them to not make it. Tears were shed. Each one of us here on the farm has had to face that harsh reality. Tyler and Teresa with the cattle and pigs, Eric and Sara with their pigs and me with my goats.
We all love what we do, otherwise we wouldn’t do it. There are days that don’t make it so easy to love but when we see a cute face looking up at us, it makes it worth it.
I know it’s been hard Mama Luna and things are a little rocky for you right now but you’ve got an adorable little fella!
