Hi Jannie – I think more people than we know grew up on farms. Yes, Scott is a great guy – the perfect man for our daughter, at least, with her interests and goals.

The calves are all together in their little igloo village. They can see and hear each other, so I don’t think they get lonely. They get lots of human attention, too. Plus, it’s only temporary because they grow up fast and healthy. Thanks.

Hi SnaggleTooth – Welcome to PassingThru! I agree, when you know where (and from whom?) the food comes from, it personalizes things, doesn’t it? And you think of the specific animal; at least I do, anyway. Or maybe it’s best to say that the grocery store depersonalizes – so much so that lots of people don’t even know or care.

I admit to sending up grateful thoughts to our piggy in piggy heaven. The Indians used to thank the spirit of the animal, and honored it by putting all parts to greatest use. I think eating local emulates that practice as much as we can in these more modern times. Thanks.

I hopped over from a Jannie comment finally.
(Poor little lonely igloo babies…)
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Scott sounds like a good man to have and to hold?

I’d say 180 head is a full-time endeavor, yes.

Agree with Davina, those 3 pigs are so cute, a picture that could go far.

Dad’s farm is a hobby one now but when he was a lad it was a real working farm.

Do you think the calves get lonely, tho?

I admire all you guys for eating local, I need to be more aware of that.

Super post, as always, Betsy!

And dang, I do believe it’s lunch time here!!
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And after tasting the difference in the pork over the weekend and knowing the differences in taste and quality from the vegetables we raise ourselves, I hear you about not wanting to return to previous sources. I think we can all agree, whether we eat meat or not, that supporting local businesses makes sense because we know the origins of the food. As well, the smaller the community, the more responsibility its citizens feel toward each other.

And I’m with you on coffee.

I’ve found the produce I’ve eaten this summer to be so yummy and can’t imagine going back to the regular grocery store – and I’ve enjoyed the cooking challenge.

I could never be a complete locavore because of coffee – it would take some miraculous event to get me to give it up. The best I can do is drink fair trade coffee.
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Hi Robin – Those Heidelbergians made it everywhere, didn’t they? Having been to the original Heidelberg several years ago, I can report the Minnesota one doesn’t come close to resembling it! Thanks.

Hi Mark – Glad you enjoyed this piece. Thank you.

Hi Patricia – It’s the fun kind of nostalgia to have, isn’t it. Great memories. I’m looking forward to your recipe project and have a few images I took from our farmer’s market last year that might work. Pete’s photography is mostly of critters. Let me know if you like any of them – they are in the Autumn post from 2008. Thanks.

Hi Cath – The little calves ARE cute, aren’t they? And the little nurseries, too, I agree. When Robin and I were chatting she would let the calves suck on her finger. There are more and more places popping up that utilize more humane methods as people become more aware. I’m hoping that’s the case in the UK as well. Thanks.

Hi Davina – Yes, that piggy pic is really cute, isn’t it? We always head for the champion pigs at the Minnesota State Fair, too. Every year they have an exhibit where you can watch all kinds of babies being born: cows, pigs, sheep, etc. I think it’s something everyone should be able to see. Thank you.

Hi Barbara – Like you I was an eager farm visitor when I was a child. It was gracious of the farmers to let us tag along, wasn’t it? Those are magical moments for children. And yes, it’s very true, the pork we have eaten so far seems entirely different than that we purchase at the store. Pete wants to learn more about these methods so he can recommend Scott to our friends. Thank you.

Your story brought back wonderful memories of my grandparents farm – to which we lived next door. As a little girl I loved spending time in the barn, helping to milk the cows and feed the other animals.

It’s ironic you mentioned buying a pig as one of employees just bought one too. He was telling us how the meat didn’t taste at all like the pork you buy in the store.

BTW: Your pork meals sound delicious. And like Lance said, the bacon will undoubtedly be a real treat. Yum-O!
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