Does saying goodbye ever get easier?

[@simonroosen1895]

look at Abby perfectly herding those cows and stopping at the right time

[@saraschneider6781]

I really think that's her niche.

[@rodneyboehner3007]

Watch out Abby! Morgan has a tendency to butcher all his children.

[@saraschneider6781]

@@rodneyboehner3007 get lost.

[@froggieboi6175]

@@rodneyboehner3007 wtf Morgan is a farm doing what farmers do he not going to butcher is dogs

[@ellenmcintyre1247]

@@rodneyboehner3007 I'm sure you didn't mean that the way that it came out, right?

[@bekind3931]

I actually think you have it down. You don’t really look at livestock as pets. You’re fully aware of their purpose on the farm, yet you want them to have the fullest life they can have while they’re there. Naming helps shape their personalities and gives you memories about them that can be immortalized in your books. I commend you.

[@Dr_V]

Don't forget to treat all wooden parts of the "hoop coop" with linseed oil (on both sides), not only to prevent it from rotting but also to keep bird parasites from hiding in the cracks. I'd say do it before closing up the coop so it can dry up faster. If you don't have an atomizer you can use a wall paint roller or even a large brush, though spraying is much faster. Also you should collect the goose fluff when harvesting the birds, it's quite expensive so might be worth a the extra effort.

[@Sovereignty3]

Yep! How warm would they be!

[@scarylion1roar]

also safely dispose of the linseed oil rags in a controlled burn (linseed oil spontaneous combustion is *so* fun 🔥)

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

@@scarylion1roar To have a metal barrel right there for them would be wisest, I'd think. However a house paint brush could apply (boiled) linseed oil and then be washed with detergent and water afterwards and then for safety sake be kept in a fireproof container if not burned. This is not a fine furniture finish, it is a protective coating, and so a rag is not needed.

[@catsj1767]

And where would find linseed oil?? The yard columnist always talked about linseed oiling one’s shovels etc in the fall. Looked and looked at Menards & Ace - ask- nooo do not ever ask. So I just spray my shovels with WD40 😅

[@-Ghostess]

@@catsj1767 you can get it in the paint or wood finish sections at lowes. Or just get a bottle of flaxseed oil from the grocery store, the only difference is that flaxseed oil is food grade. I use flaxseed oil capsules to season my cast iron in winter.

[@shinyarcs]

can i just say how amazing your cinematography has gotten over the years ive watched your channel ?? i never really noticed it until i started taking my college film class , but the shots you take are always beautiful

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!!

[@user-jy1md7vk1w]

@@GoldShawFarm Hi! Fyi, there are 2 good KZbin videos about those scammers plaguing the comments sections. The one guy shows their scam and the crazy amount of money these new scams are making, and the other youtuber made software that removes all the scammer comments. I personally find it offensive when they use KZbinr's pictures as they pretend to be you, and are reporting the ones I see. You have my sympathy & I hope your farm & channel grows well!! (You make me miss living in Vermont!! Along with so many excellent things about your channel, I love "watchin ya weatha, ayy-yah" My Mom & I had a huge laugh when that old timer told you to go back where you came from at that town meeting! We had years of those guys also, must be a rite of passage for every flatlander. Certainly adds character, lol. I know real Vermonters are tough, but they pass on from this life and one day you'll look back fondly & smile too.)

[@caseyleichter2309]

Happy birthday to Abby! (And happy party day to Toby Dog.) I do believe, if one is to eat meat (I have tried to be a vegetarian, and and a vegan, and realized it wasn't for me) then one has a moral duty to eat ethically-raised meat. I'm not a farmer, so I rely on farmers who are ethical, sustainable, and treat their animals well. Thank you for being one of those farmers!

[@anniestumpy9918]

I totally agree!

[@joehackney4828]

Absolutely agree. We give our animals a better life than commercial meat factories. They are well taken care of and respected. After processing 16 roosters from the spring chicks, things are quieter on the homestead, less drama for the hens. But their spirits have left a different quiet. I adopted an old Native American tradition by giving thanks to every rooster, his gift of live, so that I may continue to live. Never easy.

[@jkno21892]

I do believe, if one is to beat their spouse (I have tried to stop beating my spouse, it wasn't for me), then one has a duty to beat ethically raised spouses. I'm not a parent, so I rely on my in laws who are ethical, sustainable, and treated my spouse well. thank you for being one of those parents!

[@RenTed.]

just a suggestion, mark your flock with a colored bracelet to easily identify male(blue) and female(pink) at young age, that way you wont have to go through the struggle of catching and to find the right one based on their gender

[@RoseNZieg]

the one problem I had with that was that if you do it wrong, they could outgrow it and end up losing a foot. it's a very delicate process.

[@carlyjmc]

Sexing birds can be very inaccurate when they're young, chickens and ducks especially. It would be a great idea if there were a way to identify easier though

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

@@carlyjmc I'd think that Morgan knows his flocks closely enough that he probably has it 95% right by the time they become grown. I still wonder if a daub of something indelible on a beak would be helpful, once the birds are old enough to reliably sex.

[@canislatrans8285]

If he concentrates on the pilgrim geese, they are dimorphic. The other breeds are a good bit harder, though ganders get bigger than goosies, and generally more aggressive. They hiss more for 1 lol. I think the pilgrim geese do not grow as big as the other breeds he has, so it's better to have embdens and toulouse. He could observe who is doing the top part of mating, grab those ganders, and put a band on 1 leg.

[@CoconutMoment]

top hats and bonnets

[@YankeeValleyOutdoors]

The life of a farmer is never easy, but it's worth the challenges and the trials. Love your videos man keep it up.

[@piperleelee]

Happy Birthday Abby. It can never be easy when you spend so much of your waking hours with your farm animals and a bond forms. Yet, practicality demands a healthy animal stock by reducing its quantities. It also provides financial income for maintaining a farm. I grew up with chickens and rabbits I use to play with as a child. It was not easy when my father butchered them for practical reasons.

[@AngelHoffer97]

I agree with a lot you said. I raised meat rabbits and people would be like HOW COULD YOU? Tts more that they are well taken care of pets, and had 1 bad day, that they didn't even know was coming. i loved them all, cared for them all. its not easy, but at least i know they had a good life, other than some factory farm

[@DouschebagsAnonymous]

I wish I had your temperament. You always seem so calm and level headed when it comes to your farm. not including hound hunter irritations

[@mlml]

I cant say for certain, because I have only had pets, and the loss of each one is incredibly hard. But your coping with the sacrifice will get better as it has been, and it'll feel easier. Recommend maybe getting a bird processing machine? But of course that's a whole expense. BTW love to see your relationship with your cattle is getting so much better! They're letting you touch and pet them now, sniffing your hand, it's so cute after the long summer of watching your process! Congratulations on another successful year!

[@lindag4484]

In about the last 10 years, I have reassessed how my family eats and what my family eats. I used to be a grocery store shopper only. Now, I am a gardener and grow food. I don't raise meat animals but will be forever grateful for our local farmers from whom I get our eggs, our meats, and a few of the fruits and vegetables I don't grow. I can't express enough how much I respect and appreciate what you and so many other farmers are doing, providing for your families and selling the excess to others. Thank you.

[@sharonfransen1191]

Happy birthday Abby. ❤️. I could never do the butchering that’s why I’m not a farmer. When ducks stop laying they become pets. My oldest was age 14.

[@kathybrem880]

lol, that’d be me

[@tmlawson751]

Can definitely hear sadness in Morgan's voice. It's hard not to be sensitive to this. :(

[@BR2225_]

Never stop doing what you love. A bird loved in its life is happy and healthy; that in its self was worth the journey

[@bernardvilla7905]

Hello Morgan, Thanks for all your very interesting videos. My wife and I have been going around the US with our motorhome. We just visited Vermont and passed just in front of your farm three days ago. The area you live in is really beautiful at this time of the year with the magnificent foliage. All the Best and good luck with your farm adventure.

[@pattylcravatta]

Sad! But necessary! Gone are Gardens! Happy Birthday, Abby 🎊 🎉! Great Informational Video! Thank-you! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@North44farmstead]

Has maybe gotten a tiny bit easier for me. I don't cry constantly while plucking anymore. Another great vid, keep it going, Morgan 👍

[@doloresreynolds8145]

I admire you for working through your sadness & discomfort.

[@heathershomestead7612]

Those sunrise views behind you when you're moving the cows are gorgeous!!!

[@marikotrue3488]

I have only been watching this channel for approximately one year. I have seen so much growth not just in quantity of herds and flocks, but in the look of the farm itself and its caretakers. I appreciate seeing all the hard work and expertise that went on in order for me to buy the food that I needed.

[@bellepfeiffer3630]

The greenhouse coop is looking great. With the crazy winter winds we have, don't forget to put wind straps across the plastic.

[@ronaldschmidt4748]

Having grown up on the farm processing and selling animals is the normal course of events. It vital for the economic survival of the farm. It also provides food for farmer and others. I understand the feelings involved. It shows you care for your animals.

[@anitraahrens905]

A very happy and healthy birthday one year old Abby Girl! You have come a long way.

[@alorar]

Showing you care and don’t see them as money means so much more! Feelings toward animals are good and it may not be easier and that’s ok! You treat your animals with respect and that’s what they deserve! ❤

[@scheimong]

If your greenhouse (or hoop coop, whatever) is going to be a permanent structure, you might want to consider using those fancy double-action hinges that open both ways. Always good to have flexibility.

[@kristenfrosch]

Love the way you care for your farm animals in life and death, wish more people handled things like you all!

[@kathleenjohnson2121]

Frozen water already, I live in Arkansas 86 today, happy birthday 🎂🎉 Abby, I can understand why you harvest your ducks n geese, love your highland cattle

[@jf93345]

I love you ethos, plan, and shepherding of the farm. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and educational efforts!

[@Alan_Mac]

Your wee fold of coos looks magnificent. They really are in highland cattle Nirvana with you. I'd not worry so much about them getting cold. They are basically anaerobic digesters with legs and horns.

[@bestoddisee]

Processing day here is tough too. I bond all of the ducks and chickens to me by talking to them in the shell, bringing them food as they grow and talking or singing. We keep them all together, on processing day, in a huge dog crate so they’re never as upset (no chasing or catching. I call them and they come. ). As we come up on the last few they must have an idea of what is happening. They always tuck their head under my arm. That’s always the hard part for me. I remind myself that this is a circle, a way to live more independently and that as a species the ducks and chickens are very successful because of domestication. But it never gets easier. It does give us a genuine respect for the animals in our care. They live wonderful lives under an open sky on green grass and clean ponds with organic feed to supplement. If more people did this as a way of life the junk food industry would go under and people would be healthier and living with more confidence.

[@ellenmcintyre1247]

I always like to think also that these animals have been bred to be prey really that's their function in life so they kind of know what's up genetically and that's that and you really do take very good care of your flocks! 🕊️

[@jlhmyers75]

I grew up in a hunting/fishing family. I never considered it odd to go out and get your own food. It’s the respect you treat the animals with that counts.

[@mariesheppard3750]

Your doing it right Morgan , You take wonderful care of the birds , and yes we need to eat ,

[@awesomesharkguy]

As someone who had to have their dog put down today, I can definitely say no, it does not

[@TremaineBiniak2400]

Sorry for your loss my friend.

[@Battleray]

Sorry for your loss you will be in are prayers

[@shelly936]

@Awesomesharkguy I'm sorry for your loss. I agree, having been there myself, I can say was harder then my divorce. Sending love & healing your way.

[@susancormier6688]

Please accept my sympathy on your loss.

[@crunks420]

Man, that's hard. Treat yourself to some good food. It will help heal the hurt, and you can be sure your pup would approve. They would want you to be happy.

[@Ash2theB]

Happy birthday Abby 🎊. Also can't wait for more farm builds/progress videos.

[@lynnbetts4332]

Happy Birthday Abby! My Marley turns 3 next week. He's 1/2 French Pyrenees (carry color), with Great Pyr and Anatolian mixed in. Nearly all black, tall and lean. Love the hoop coop. Hope you are planning on wind straps after last year's issues. Looks like you are planning on roll-up sides. Great for all around use. I put welded wire fencing at the bottom, so I could keep critters in if needed, even with sides up. Can't wait to see the finished set-up. Anxiously waiting for the first true cold front to hit Texas Sunday night. Nearly 90 degrees today, but will hit 45 Tuesday night!!! And rain. Crossing my fingers for rain. Still in drought.

[@BouncingTribbles]

It feels like by keeping your flocks multi generational you're contributing to your balance as well. Great video Morgan

[@scarylion1roar]

I've been a pet sitter for over 12 years and most recently said goodbye to a dog this Monday. It never gets easier, and what helps me is channeling the grief and love for the ones who are gone into caring for the ones who are still here

[@frederickmoller]

Happy Birthday Abby Girl!🥰🥰🥰💝🎂

[@BealyGood]

It’s the part I dislike the most on the farm. Thanks for the candid videos.

[@ashez2ashes]

I always save your videos to listen while I drink coffee. They’re so cozy.

[@dano336]

what a wonderful opening drone shot . And for some reason I'm not upset over the birds as I am over the cattlle. I look forward to every episode , now in florida , used to be in upstate NY. 35 years ago

[@Heinlein.]

Ready for release the quacken from new hoop coop. Calf’s looking big, Happy Birthday Abbey dog!

[@benwoodhouse1988]

Thinking of how lovely it would be to live like Morgan, but at the same time not knowing were your wages will come from exactly is scary and I praise him for being able to do it all.

[@dewhi100]

Happy birthday Abby. Looking forward to the Hoop Coop video.

[@marjdejong2861]

Happy 1st Birthday ABBY!🎂💗💗

[@mahalathacker6513]

Happy Birthday, beautiful Abby.

[@hair2fab]

Its easier than the first time, but never easy. Makes you a healthy minded human to know both ways of life and still choose to do what we do. Blessings for ur harvest 🥰

[@Fenthule]

4:09 "little" Jimmy lmfao Your videos are always soo insightful and well done Morgan. Easily some of the best content, and absolutely some of the most wholesome on this website.

[@sarcasticshoe]

I love seeing your building projects.. I’ve been a follower of your journey since the beginning and I am so impressed and proud for you about how much better your construction projects have become over the years. The early ones.. ehhhh - had room for improvement and your latest are truly good looking AND functional. 🎉

[@nl1927]

Happy birthday Abby! Hugs Morgan you are a good steward to the land

[@vixenfatale4839]

For your Cattle trough you can buy a caged water heater to keep it from freezing. My roosters names are Saber(Black Australorp), Cloud(Lavender Ameracauna), Braveheart(Bantam Silver Laced Polish), Einstein(White Crested Black Polish), Alduin(Silkie Mix), Lil Buddy(Barn yard mix) he love attention from me and I didn't do anything to get him to be that way. I have 2 other barn yard mixes that need new homes or I need to find someone set up for processing.

[@SharonRepici]

When he brings the watering trough into the barn he already has a heater that seemed to work well last winter.

[@sharonpiecharka1339]

Happy Bday Abby, have a great day. Enjoyed, thank U.😀❤

[@Messymy]

When you have had a caring relationship with the stock, it can bring great reflection to harvest them. That is a good thing because it shows your humanity. They fulfill their purpose and that should be respected.

[@user-jy1md7vk1w]

Thank you for doing this hard work for the rest of us. My child is severely allergic to all nuts, all seeds, and all seafoods. The only thing they can eat are meats, dairy, fruit & veggies. Keeping humans alive and thriving to have a full, long life is essential.

[@maximvacko3377]

Love these videos epic progress Morgan and happy birthday to Aby🎉❤

[@gaylewatkins4685]

Happy Birthday Abby 💖 Hi Morgan, I love your content and how you share the lessons you have learned so far on your farm. Take care and keep up the great job. 👏

[@PanosTeller]

RIP duckies and goosies,Happy birthday Abby girl !!! enjoy the party !!

[@jessecunningham9924]

I loved this video! Great talk, nice footage, and I really liked your choice of music. You’re becoming more of a film artist every day. Happy birthday Abby!

[@sirrloin]

Being sad and raising your food gives you an aspect that so many people miss out. It just means you've lived a good life.

[@bkm2797]

Happy Birthday Abby, enjoy that birthday dinner! The Two Morons, very funny, and Black Francis got it,lol. It is sad to have to say goodbye to so many, but it's part of the process, and I know you respectfully handle each bird with care. Can't believe it's so cold there already, Winter is Coming, lol. Thanks Morgan you always handle these uncomfortable subjects with grace. See you soon!

[@roxannekading22]

Happy birthday Abby!

[@ProfessionalPUNKER]

I would’ve never guessed you were a NOFX fan! Love to see it 😜

[@X3nophiliac]

4:18 the two baby steers were in perfect unison for a minute lol

[@lynnpasteris4362]

The view from inside the hoop coop out is beautiful

[@Annie_Annie__]

I keep forgetting how late in the year it is and that it’s so far in to autumn already. It’s still in the 90°s (30°sC) where I live, so in my head it’s still summer, lol.

[@bekind3931]

With your farm yard beautification project, maybe plant some fruit or berries to put in and around the yard. It’ll give it some pretty greenery and also serve as food or snacks for the birds. There are some that do great in cold climates like blueberry and peach. If you use planter boxes, you can move them around when needed. Make the boxes just high enough that the birds cannot reach (so the fruit can ripen) w/a folding deck attached, so you just lift it up, unfold the legs and put slanted planks on both ends for the ducks to eat the fruit right off the bushes. Maybe also put plants in the pond that will clean it, maybe can be snacked on by the birds, possibly prevent evaporation (like lilies), and will lie dormant under snow.

[@bigbossoutdoors4344]

I always look forward to seeing your videos it makes my day every time i see them. Thank you so much

[@Rondog-so6ij]

This channel is so amazing and I can not believe anyone hates on him as is content is great

[@anneyday3493]

I'm heading into processing time here on my homestead too. It is bittersweet, but necessary. Happy Birthday Abbey!

[@amandajarboe1131]

I agree with Morgan, I try to live by the idea that if I don't have the guts to kill it, I don't have the right to eat it. It's my responsibility.

[@kathybrem880]

Not me, I’m a cook,not a butcher

[@lizlilliman3644]

Happy birthday abbie. No matter what the topic is your videos always relax me.

[@blackmonday738]

Abby, dabby due da, Happy birthday sweet girl!! What's up Morgan, getting cold here and love it.

[@tracymacfarlan8959]

Happy Birthday Lady Abington !!! ♥︎♡♡♡♥︎

[@Chimali]

You are a Good Man Morgan. Respect the animal you raise keep them healthy and procced them with respect. Love from Poland

[@gammyofthree]

Happy Birthday Abby a big 1 year old🎉🎉🎉🎂❤❤🦴🦴🦴🐾

[@gloriahagg6293]

Happy birthday beautiful Abby your becoming a young lady now. Enjoy your party and goodies daddy has for you.

[@minnahumble2294]

I really really like the way all your buildings come together and improve the farm, also make it look better. Keep up the good work. The progress is remarkable.

[@justanotherperson584]

Of course Toby is invited. Morgan you are truly a funny guy. Thank you. Stay funny.

[@laurenloukinen5425]

Happy birthday1st birthday Abby Dog🎂🦴🎉🎊!!!!!!!

[@gardenonthemoors]

Aww happy birthday Abby! And congrats on a good harvest 👍

[@JJoy-bk8yr]

Do you follow moon phases to schedule important tasks? I ask because once I visited a farm and all the cows were gathered at a corner of the fence by the road, looking down the road and mooning as if frantic. I asked the farmer and he said he had sold their calves without regard to the moon phase. He said he usually sold off calves when the moon was right, and cows did not get so upset. This time he had decided that was silly - but his cows had been upset and mooing for days, so next year he was going back to scheduling by the moon.

[@Scrap5000]

That's really interesting

[@GoldShawFarm]

Interesting. I’ll have to do some research.

[@Aemirys]

As N Australian who uses Celsius I appreciate your conversions.

[@BeerHandStrong]

Been enjoying your channel for ages, I maybe overstepping my bounds but I'm gonna say it-I really hope you have children, the life and lessons they'd learn from you and on the farm would be incredibly valuable. What you're doing and sharing with everyone is amazing, tip of the cap to ya.

[@Methalec1985]

Oh wow, Abby is doing so well!! No chasing birds and being so good with the cattle!! Happy birthday good Abby-Doggo!!

[@yukiookami5844]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY DOG!!!

[@lizcoleman3382]

Happy Birthday Abby!!

[@Armedjoy91]

Happy birthday Abby!!!!!

[@CrystalTheAnimalLover]

Happy birthday abby shes so cute she loves the cows i say saying goodbye to any animal is never easy but also you learn to be ok with it you're a great farmer and make sense to balance things with animals on your farm

[@pforce9]

I feel your pain, but your lamentations on the untimely demise of some ducks that you befriended and nurtured, reminds me of the poem, "The Walrus and the Carpenter".

[@Flowergurl2000]

Happy Birthday, Abbie!

[@OpticalStreak37]

Awesome to see you getting closer to the cows!

[@maureen8930]

First Happy Birthday 🎂 Abby 1 year old 💕💕💕 Morgan is your barn all ready for the cows the weather changing fast 👍👍👍

[@benwoodhouse1988]

Hey Morgan have been really down in the dumps lately and things have been a bit tuff u hearting and highlighting my comment really made my day and I really appreciate being noticed by someone I look up to as much as u I'm the one who said about farming looking ideal but scary not knowing were next pay check is Really appreciate u and your vids

[@kittykattaracreations]

Happy birthday Abby!

[@rodisham]

The progress around the farm continues to gain momentum. Impressive. A real renaissance for a once zombie farm property.

[@eileengoehring6080]

Happy birthday Abby !!!! From U.K.

[@buffster948]

Thank you for putting in the degrees Celsius temperature for us over in Old Blighty! :D Much appreciated. I shall don my hat to you, Good Sir. 🧐😆 Also: happy birthday Abby!

[@pinkyfromhaughtfarms6550]

Great names! We name all our birds after musicians and Kevin Smith's View Askiew characters 🤣

[@michiganjack1337]

Do you have a fingercuffs? 😅

[@harrisonstewart4943]

Morgan, appreciate the new video. I always look forward to watching as they come out. When I start my homestead, I was seriously considering the waxing method for my birds. Hopefully it proves to be better as you mentioned!

[@karencoley9723]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY DOG

[@sheliakuhn6610]

Happy Birthday Abby Dabby Doo!! 🎉🙂🍁