12/24/2025
’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the farrowing house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The heat lamps were glowing bright red o’er the pens,
Keeping piglets all cozy till morning again.
The sows were laid down, stretched wide in their crates,
Dreaming of corn and full feeders at eight.
While piglets snuggled close, pink noses so neat,
Curled up in a pile by their mama’s warm feet.
When out in the hallway there came such a squeal,
I grabbed my coveralls, ready to deal.
Away to the barn I hurried real fast,
Hoping this farrowing would go smooth like the last.
The lights were dim, the barn was clean,
Steam rising softly, the calm in between.
When what to my tired old eyes did appear,
But a sow starting labor—yes, piglets were near!
With steady, sure hands and tech dry plus close by,
I counted each piglet as minutes rolled by.
“Breathe easy, old girl, you’re doing just fine,”
As number ten landed right on time.
More lively than ever, those piglets they squeaked,
Searching for milk, all hungry and weak.
We dried them, we counted them, we tucked them in tight,
Making sure everyone made it through night.
The sow gave a grunt and settled back down,
A proud Christmas mama, the best one around.
The piglets all nursing, content and so small,
A farrowing house blessing, the best gift of all.
I turned off the lights, walked out of the barn,
The quiet returned, peaceful and warm.
And I whispered aloud as I shut off the light:
“Merry Christmas to sows, and piglets goodnight.” 🐷✨🎄
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas from Nelson-Rushing Genetics.
