Every Animal Has a Job!

[@denanyr]

As a dairy farmer... this was a fantastic video. The explanation of dealing with having to send them off was perfect and classy. Love the channel Pete!

[@QuisMagister]

I quite enjoy the appraoch you guys take with the farm, Its nice to see the animals have a good life for the time they are alive. The food, the open air, the various shelters, and the casual human interaction, all makes it quite clear that you care for them, despite their intended end. Giving them have a carefree and stressless life seems like the best compromise you can make when you enjoy the food they provide, and I do enjoy the food^^. Hopefully people can recognise that.

[@junglefever4091]

@@sadjaxx You can never "responsibly" murder sentient beings. It's like the twilight zone in this comment section. Since when does feeding an animal this over that before stealing their life make it moral to steal their life?

[@ChristopherUllrich-d9y]

As a child, I felt bad getting cattle into the cattle truck. I came to a better understanding when the family sat down to eat the beef that we raised. It was okay to feel bad, and it was okay to enjoy the dinner.

[@t.e.roberts7851]

Well stated by a genuine farmer. I grew up in a farming environment in the Midwest and recall the difficulty in explaining your wise principles of the livestock business to my city friends. Most of them also had almost zero understanding of the ultimate origin of their food. All they could see were the packages surrounding the food in a supermarket. Thanks for your comments and videos, Pete. Very entertaining and instructive at the same time. Hope you and your family have a good Christmas and healthy winter.

[@mitchelpoppe5789]

There is nobody on the earth that cares more for animals than a farmer does, whether you are just milking cows or butchering the animals you raised. There are a lot of people that will never understand this and it’s sad they don’t, but such is life. They will never know what truly giving thanks really means!

[@oldchickenlady]

Very kind and honest video! I read, in an old farm book from the mid 1800s, that you should "move among your flock as if it is you who are in the way. Never pass through the flock loudly while scattering the chickens. Your reward will be a peaceful flock that lay well.". You have that same peaceful demeanor. Your animals live such good lives. You explained farm life with compassion. I hope your video will help some people understand.

[@kirkwilson10]

Agricultural Truth 101. Thanks, Pete! This will be great to watch with the guys when they're back in school on Monday. They helped with turkey processing this year and it will help them to connect the dots of the why and how we do this. It's taken a year and a half of going slow with them to get them to this point, but one actually got to use a knife when we were parting some out for vacuum packing. I've been told by other teachers that this is astounding stuff, but the best is yet to come I'm thinking. Thank you both for sticking with it and YES, thanks for including Ezra! I am 100% sure they're gonna name who you were looking for before you found him, ha!

[@rayyoung7780]

What you talked about today is why your channel is so important. It is way too easy for those of us who live in cities and shop in supermarkets to forget that when we buy a chicken there was a farmer somewhere who raised it. Thank you Pete for what you do. You matter. Keep reminding us that when caring people work hard and profit from their labor all of us are better off.

[@TheRyLo21]

Pete I watch your videos all the time, I love your approach to farming and more importantly to life. Thank you for always sharing the more thoughtful aspects of a farm.

[@tonifoster5108]

It'll be sad to see Patty go. She's the BOSS!!

[@mikew8100]

My favorite moments on this channel are when patty yells at pete.

[@VanVactorFarms]

Happy thanksgiving Pete it’s a blessing to have you on this platform, you always bring inspiration and ideas to the table, I am a livestock farmer and you speak for all of us in these types of videos, thank you for that voice.

[@jdschini]

Pete, you just gave a wonderful and clear explanation of the cycle of life on a livestock farm. The better you take care of your animals the better they will provide for you & your family. It is without a doubt an ongoing and unique partnership.

[@MuhaloTube]

It shows how much you care for your animals well being. Like you said, it's difficult to convey to pet owners how livestock is different, especially the longer lived ones that you interact with much more, like the sows and cows. Caring about what goes on the dinner table starts LONG before the trip to the store.

[@coppertone711]

Pete , as an aging (old) woman I feel I could shed some livestock light in the world.  My grandparents had cattle, my uncle has cattle, my dad had acres and herds. I remember grandma's dairy cattle that she hand milked. Grandma and Red (dairy cows) came to our place after the auction that moved my grandparents to town. I could name every cow we milked and the bulls also to this day. I remember the big Brahma that was on open range when we pastured them and her yearly calves. She did not have our brand but we named her. Ti was my big steer on open range and if he fallowed me so did the rest of them. Perhaps you can see humor in some 8-year-old being fallowed about by 1000 lb. bottle babies. Your herd fallows you the same. We took them to the stock yards back then. Feeding was 4 am and again at 4pm. Not that much has changed I suppose. I do have an old hen that does not lay any eggs and she is 9. That could be considered a pet, maybe. Hope you enjoy the holidays

[@vikingmountainranchlife7447]

That's awesome! I love your story! People always ask me why I name my animals if I'm only going to send them to slaughter and I reply that they deserve to have a good life while they're here! I have 4 dairy goats That I milk every day and I love them! They are like my friends! I have been there during their birth of their babies And they trust me. I am an animal lover however I understand that there is a greater purpose.Just last month we sent 2 of our good steer to slaughter ; they were both bottle calves like you I had to feed them three times a day and then two times a day. I appreciate the great food that we get from them And the healthy sustenance they provide! 😊

[@daniellaws2307]

I grew up raising pigs, chickens, and rabbits for the table. My dad was a cow trader, so when the freezer got low, one piece of merchandise wound up taking the ice block challenge. We kept two milk cows, milked twice a day. Before school, and at 6:30 at night. I was the oldest of 4 kids, so I was in charge of feeding and milking. We all learned that the animals were to be treated well and not allowed to be hungry or thirsty. We learned early on that a steak, pork chop, or chicken leg came from an animal, not a grocery store. We also did our own processing. People now are too far removed from the source of their food.

[@marilynwitherell186]

Great video, I have lived long enough to know there are two types of farmers, and you & your family are the best kind. Thank you so much.

[@tommy5499]

A Gentleman Farmer. Healthy live Stock is a loved Live Stock.

[@n.elliottnoorlun8304]

Your wise sharing here, Pete, reminds me of a similar lesson I learned on our farm as a child. Dad had to put a little piglet out of its misery when the mother sow had stepped on and broken its back. I asked Dad about bringing out the veterinarian, but my father helped me see a similar wisdom (like yours) that dollar-wise and purpose wise........we couldn't afford the cost of time, dollars and effort to end up with an animal that could not fulfill its "job" of making our farm successful. LOVE your channel, Pete!!! I look forward to EVERY episode!! ;o)

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Hi Elliot, we run into the same difficult decision often. Fortunately we only need a vet to look at something once every few years or so. Usually, the problems are with older animals, and we know it's time for them to go rather than racking up vet bills.

[@SarahPerine]

plus it's actually a critically necessary skill to be able to dispatch an animal quickly and as humanely as possible because things happen... predator attacks, accidents, you name it... sometimes vets can't come out the same day or they will take hours to get to you. So you have to be prepared to put the animal out of its misery.

[@dirtroadfarm.4024]

Your such a good farmer. Your animals live wonderful lives. Small operations like yours are sadly becoming fewer and fewer with factory farms taking over. At least here in Canada they are. Alos I find lots of people don't understand that by raising heritage breeds, like Dexter's and your Heritage mixed pigs, you are keeping those breeds alive! That's one of the things I love about your farm is how you use heritage cows and pigs.

[@EcklecticCraftJunkie]

Another video hit out of the park. Thank you Pete for these much needed teachings!

[@danielmergen5648]

My brother was a very good Wisconsin dairy farmer until he sold his 120-head herd just a few years ago. All of his dairy-farming life, he pushed genetics and feed quality with the help of another brother or ours who was educated in animal husbandry and worked with dairy farmers throughout the State. Every cow in my brother's barn was a good producer or it was gone, and EVERY cow also seemed to be a PET. It was a very contented and relaxed herd. When he sold his herd, he sold all of the cows to a single farmer who also had a reputation for managing his larger herd much like my brother managed his herd. A year after the sale, my brother drove five hours to visit his old herd at their new farm. He said it brought tears of joy to his eyes to see his cows pretty much hanging together and looking very contented in a fresh green pasture.

[@klausforster9346]

You and your family doing a great job giving the livestock Farmers a face. Thank you 🙏

[@iopcanada16]

Happy thanksgiving everybody! I hope you all enjoy your weekend

[@cloquetcollision5751]

I have nothing but respect for your way of life...Thanks Pete!

[@mathbrown9099]

❤Pete, your description of the working farm here is well done. I was raised around animals, butchered and otherwise. I graduated my BA, ‘77 in Tacoma, WA. There were many, many cattle farms and many chickens, pigs and other farm animals. They were all being prepared for butchering. I watched a Charlet butchered, it was a huge meat source for my friend’s family. The night it was butchered my friend cut a roast, which we roasted and since this happened to fall on my birthday he pulled out a 1968 Moldavia burgundy, which was as delicious as the meat. Lastly, no one bothered my friend about his animals. No one bothered anyone about the way one ate. It was thought rude to do so.

[@GaryB94558]

I hope you, Hilarie and the Kids had a nice Thanksgiving.. You guys treat your animals well while you have them. You can't do better than that. I already bought my hat and a commuter cup. Happy Holidays

[@bonnyd.5334]

I was a livestock farmer, growing up in Upstate NY. I miss the farm, but, like it or not, I have to live where I currently live (medical reasons). My job is that, for all the animals in my care, that I will give them a high quality of life. I really like your description of how you feel when you send your animals off .

[@bay9876]

That back-and-forth head motion at the Thanksgiving meal, when asked for seconds, really helps lose weight. Those at the Farmers Market thank you for raising this good food, and good meat and help create a very Happy Thanksgiving.

[@Cookiegrabber-]

I deeply appreciate your relationship with the animals. They are certainly very well cared for, and well respected. Happy animals are tasty animals. 😊 🐄 🐖 🐓 🦃 🐈

[@vikingmountainranchlife7447]

Exactly well said! 😊

[@almargiotta484]

HAppy thanksgiving Pete and Family. As a man who spent time on an Uncles cattle farm, you spelled it out clear. As Ican see you treat your animals with kindness and respect. Good job. Love the channel.

[@Skashoon]

Just experienced the sadness of sending the first pig to the processor. It was donated to church for part of the Thanksgiving dinner. The joy of this was the many comments about how flavorful the pork was. In this way, it helped overcome the sadness with joy. It made me a better farmer and I prayed over him as the truck drove away. It also made me realize the importance of making their lives happy while they’re here. Thanks, Pete.

[@pcdreams1]

Very well said, Pete! While I realize not everyone can, or wants to farm. I do feel that we should all have some connection to our food. That lack is, in my opinion, a big part of the problem. Thank you for showing us a window into the day to day. I really relish these types of videos. You've got a way of spinning the story that is both engaging and thoughtful.

[@mikemattcam]

"....Each has their purpose under heaven." GREAT JOB! Turn! Turn! Turn! The Byrds

[@montana4939]

You make GREAT videos Pete ! We feel out west that you’re the best on you tube !

[@a.p.5429]

About 50 years ago my grandpa got a calf to raise to butcher. We all got so attached to it when he brought the meat home no one could eat it, not even my grandma. So he took all the meat out of the freezer and traded with someone else. We only found out years later that my dear grandpa had drove around the neighborhood with a trunk full of meat and brought it back home. We loved Bucky. Grandpa loved us, a lot.

[@leahmollytheblindcatnordee3586]

A good explanation of the whys and wherefores of raising livestock. I would not make a good farmer in that I would not be able to handle letting go, but I know it is necessary and am thankful that people like you do it. Making the lives of each as calm and cared for as possible is important. So keep up the good work. After all it is really just a part of life. Take care and hope your Christmas and New Years were blessed.

[@HiddenSpringFarm]

I get some people on my channel asking me how can I kill one of our "pets". My response is usually exactly like what you're saying... all of our animals live an amazing life, but they are here for a reason and it's a part of farm life. Most folks just run into the grocery store and spend money on what they want or need without even thinking about how it was raised or grown, it's just magically in the store when they want it. We still try pretty hard to make all our episodes super fun and enjoyable, but every once in a while there are fewer animals. I watch your channel regularly cause to me you have so much to give and for myself I have so much to learn. We have some barn cats (The Claw Crew) and we love them all and they do an amazing job keeping the rodents down. I gotta keep an eye on our rhode islands cause out of 18 hens they're only giving a few eggs everyday, they're all almost 2 years old now and I have to start thinking like you. You say stew chickens and we love stew but we also make fresh dog food for our sheepdogs and they love it. Happy Thanksgiving Pete & Family. Enjoy some good food and good company. Cheers, Chad from up in Ontario, Canada.

[@haydnstevens3108]

Pete, you are keeping the Dexter Bread alive without commercial breeders like yourself so many rare breads will die out. Hats off to you sir.

[@brietzterry]

My wife and I thought this was a great video. You show great care and concern for your animals, far more than a factory farm. They exist to eventually be harvested but you go far beyond most farms to raise them ethically and let them live comfortably. I hope a great number of people who are not as familiar with livestock farming watch your videos, learn about the whole process and respect it, the animal, and the meat they consume. All of us who eat meat without having to raise it and butcher it should be more grateful for the people who did the work, for the sacrifice of the animal and not waste our meat so readily. Thanks for making great videos!

[@AbandonedMaine]

Good thing you're an excellent story-teller. Making other people understand your perspective has been the most contentious issue for humanity since Prometheus gave us cognition.

[@midwayfarms]

As a full-time beef producer this was such a great video

[@lastoeck]

It looked like Ezra might have an injury on the side of his head, but I'm sure you're already aware of it. Thanks for another great video, Pete!

[@jerrycampbell6181]

GOD gave us dominion over the animals an it's our responsibility to care for them in a humane way !!! You an Hillary do that an more !!! Thank You for teaching us about all aspects of farming!!! GOD BLESS !!!

[@williamharn9048]

It looked like Billy was taking notes. Red certainly earned some down time. Have a great weekend everyone.

[@johnsullivan824]

Keep on doing what you do best Pete, people who don't understand what live stock farming is about will be the ones that would say you are heartless. Have a great holiday season you and your family.

[@cvogel5330]

I commend you for the way you 'hang in there' despite the massive production farming that is destroying the small farm industry. I appreciate you and Hillarie for sharing what you do. As for those who are against the practice; they should not eat meat, wear leather, or use leather, not take prescriptions derived from animals, not play football, not wear makeup, or have a dog....and never go to the zoo. We need animals for all of these resources, but they deserve all you give them; a stress-free life. The answer is for EVERY animal to be raised this way. Everyone worldwide should follow your example. Thank you so much for letting me share my view.

[@fredc106]

As has been said, There is a time to every purpose. An animal achieves its destiny when its purpose is fulfilled. We, as caretakers, have a duty to provide, as far as possible, humane treatment for the animals under our care, and not deny the animal its purpose and ultimate destiny.

[@HisWayHomestead]

We processed our pigs this week for the first time and it was hard emotionally because we left them get over a year old and became attached. I agree with your thoughts on the process and appreciate how you are able to communicate it so well! Thanks Pete!!!

[@piteusx8440]

Well said. Every animal has a role. Most importantly, while they are alive, you treat them with respect and love. If everyone treated animals like you do, the world would be a better place.

[@markh4013]

We've been on our smallholding (homestead) here in the uk for 4 yrs now and this year was the first time we kept pigs.Just 2 weaners to grow on for meat. You wouldnt believe how many times I heard "I don't know how you can eat them after looking after them" My answer every time was "They had a good life living outside,eating all the plums and pears and most of the apples from our orchard.They spent all day doing piggy things and even came for a good scratch down with a scrubbing brush now and then.More than can be said for the pigs that ended up in your supermarket trolley." They were the first thing I saw to every morning and the last thing every night and never wanted for anything.Your explanation of your attitude to your animals would have been lost on me 4yrs ago but after living it now makes perfect sense.

[@RatdogDRB]

Some of us get it, Pete. Meat doesn't come from the grocery store in a package. This is why we give thanks when we put our knees under the table. We're expressing our thanks for the effort put forth in the raising of our food. We're giving thanks to the Lord for providing everything, including that animal. We're asking the Lord to bless that food to the strength and nourishment of our bodies, and asking Him to help us to represent Him better each day. I just recently purchased 1/2 a steer from a family member who raised it for a couple of years and have about 300 lbs. of wonderful food in my freezer now. I'm thankful for folks like you.

[@n.elliottnoorlun8304]

Our farm usually had at least 15 (and more) cats!!! Dad LOVED his kitty cats that kept down the mouse and rat population! He'd say, "Cats work for their keep, so I'm glad to give them all the milk they want to drink. Dogs? They just bark!!" ;o)

[@scottdahl1938]

Growing up I've seen the difference in styles that farmers have. Those that interact with their live stock like you do in your daily cycles are the best and have fewer problems. Those that will bust a 2x4 over the back of a pig when it doesn't do what he wants it to do, not so much. They got problems. Being the tenet on a property left possibilities open for life experiences that many never would have. The cats for instance had some health issues where they would get sick from what ever was happening there. When we got a few inoculated I noted even the babies would survive better from the resistance the mothers would carry forward to their kittens. As life has gone on I realized that our time is finite. Kids, pets, our parents for that matter are on loan by the owner of whatever circumstances control our lives. We all have a job. And to be able to do it with kindness is a gift that keeps coming back. As a side note I haven't got any responses from my relatives in Wisconsin about testosterone therapy for the big boy's last hurrah. I think they're waiting for me to send a picture of my Walt Brimley that's turning into a handle bar before they even look into it. Still it's no hurry because I see some decisions have been made and it looks like you're already on it.

[@JamesCouch777]

I've noticed that the older I get the harder it is. When I was 50 I never gave it a thought but now at 70 it's a lot different.

[@mikemattcam]

Side note... Judy Collins &Pete Seeger sang that song the best. Look at this,two GREAT JOB! On the same day.

[@philipgrubbs9757]

Don’t feel like you have to explain your livelihood Pete. We love what you do and know you genuinely care!

[@anelincoln2739]

You and other farmers feed the world. Thank you and God bless you and your family. A farmer's job is hard work, and often hazardous. They deserve our respect and gratitude. You have mine. Stay safe, well and warm. Merry Christmas!

[@louatfernli665]

Brill video, As a kid we had a few hens, but dad worked for a lady that kept geese and pigs for the freezer, he was heartbroken when foxes got the geese, then found out they had been butchered and his boss knew he treated everything like pets and didn't want to upset him. When the pigs were butchered, they gave him a huge hind quarter and he couldn't eat Jemima, so my husband and I did. We grew up knowing where whatever we ate came from and taught our kids the same. Enjoy all your output [including tractor repairs] and thank you for your honesty.

[@brycewiborg8095]

To be fair you have been the best spokesman for livestock I am aware of. Dad forbade the naming of livestock going to slaughter. Exceptions were dairy cows, the boar, and the sheep ram. I understand that some people don't equat livestock with profitably. Thank you Pete.

[@nickisrael9922]

Hi Pete. I don't usually write in comments but this time you gave a master class on ethics, respect and dignity and I really liked that, I even shared it with my students. Thanks.

[@JustaFewAcresFarm]

Thanks Nick!

[@flybyairplane3528]

AFAF,,;PETE HELLO, your videos,reminds me of my childhood years, I spent on anUNCLES DAIRY farm,yes pigs too,chickens/eggs,FLOWERS, were grown,next to the cow shed,AUNTY,,grew flowers to sell, also many ground provions,he used to supply 2Milk cans,& stuff daily to the ST ANNS BAY JA, then off to his PRINTING BUSINESS,with flowers ,+eggs.I WAS the one whom,hand churn BUTTER 1 gall,milk, in those days theat area had no electricity,UNCLE had a,DELCO PLANT,,SO that was low voltage electric,for lighting, it was col there1000feet up, fog in the east daily,until about- 10;00 daily,,it was 19 miles to the bay,they had electricity there,,They all,are gone,last time there was 1972, Great life, HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT THANKS GIVING, GOD BLESS YOU ALL, till next time,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@pinecedar7748]

"OH, I shouldn't put that finger up" I love a good chuckle....

[@WorldPowerLabs]

It boggles my mind that some people don't know the origin of what they eat. I guess I'm lucky that my late grandpa ran a dairy farm, so before he retired, I was able to see how it operated. I remember eating ground beef that came back from cows he'd sent to the butcher, and even though those were older cows, that remains in my mind as some of the tastiest ground beef I've ever had in the almost 40 years since. I also credit him for my interest in machines and an understanding of what it means to work hard. I miss him. He was a man of few words, but unimpeachable integrity.

[@nickthekidfarmall1622]

Glad you explained your cattle business to those who don't have or work on a farm

[@sergiomartinez5394]

totally understand and stand with you. I grew up on a farm too. I love my animals. I have raised goats for dairy and meat, chickens for meat and eggs. It is a rich and rewarding life. Last year I raised my first steer. His name was Sir Loin. He was spoiled rotten and never had a day of stress. I found the only animal welfare certified processor in our area an hour away. I loved him and still do every time I create the best meal I can from his purpose. I never take our animals for granted. Your animals and mine have the BEST life they can have and they live out their purpose. I appreciate you and your wife.

[@urmama9845]

I love how you explained it. My grandfather use to raise a few animals to butcher. The animals were well taken care of, we loved them. When it was time for them to go it was a bit hard for a moment but he made us understand that was their purpose. Happy Holidays to you and your wonderful family!

[@CPthetooladdict]

You made a elegant explanation but the harsh truth is people need to accept that food doesn't not magical show up in the grocery store and minding your own business is the best way to remain happy.

[@thebhn]

We butchered our first animals this year - my pre-teen daughters and I. It was hard, we tried not to name them, etc... but we finally decided that we were going to love on them all and treat them like pets, that the more love they get, the better they taste. :) We have some indoor cats that are official "pets" but everyone else here must have a purpose and most will eventually be food for our family. We're not a freeloader farm!

[@ericwalstrand3512]

Talking about the old hens reminds me of the old WB cartoons of the old hen not being able to lay eggs anymore and the other hens making fun of her.

[@ritabrunetti381]

Thanks, Peter for your video. Love seeing the cows, pigs, chickens and your #1 turkey, Benjamin. Enjoy your day. Be well.🥰🦃

[@timpedzinski230]

Livestock are pets with an expiration date.

[@vikingmountainranchlife7447]

I love your philosophy! I have a ranch also and I agree with you I always give the animals the kindness and respect and care that they deserve while they're on the ranch but they do have a job. All the animals Have a purpose and their purpose in the end is food. Today I slaughtered 6 of my meat chickens and I always say a little prayer and thank you To the Creator for blessing me with this wonderful food.. I am grateful to be able to eat such clean Healthy food. The animal has served its purpose and returns from Where it came. Thank you Pete and Hillary for your wonderful channel! 😊❤🙏

[@melvinherman]

I come from a 'farming' family. Both sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles. They were mostly grain from memory but had cows to milk, pigs & some sheep. Chickens for eggs and butcher. So, I understand your concept as a livestock farmer. As I have aged for some reason, I now cringe at the thought of culling due to thinking of personalities and their thinking process. When animals follow us and crave affection, I wonder. I know it may not be rational, but it bothers me. I would not visit a slaughterhouse but have seen some when young, pig & chickens. You are correct in your philosophy and demonstrate humanity. Very enjoyable presentations. Thank-you in your efforts.

[@Javious_Rex]

Wow, the people who don't like the way you take care of your animals should see how the meat they buy at the grocery store is raised. If ignorance was truly bliss, this world would be a happier place. Love your videos Pete, Happy Holidays to you, your family and your farm.

[@sammyk4638]

Thanks pete for putting a face to farming and what we do to provide people with real quality food.

[@joannecollins6487]

I would not make it as a farmer, I would get too attached to too many animals. My taste buds are glad that other people can be sensible farmers, and I can watch and do understand the process. I call little piggers bacon bits.

[@michaelbelle4702]

Love your explanation to the people who don't understand the purpose of livestock farming.

[@bentwedgestanleybrand5818]

When I was a kid on my dad's farm back in the 1970s. All the farm animals we treated like pets. They were all walk up to you and come to you when you called them. Even though some of them were destined for the dinner table. I really like their chickens I found that you can actually train a chicken to do certain things and be a good pet. Cows and pigs can be very loving pets. They are harder to depart with when it's butcher your time. Your friends here in lockington Ohio keep up the great videos.

[@lastoeck]

Pete - Your perspective doesn't sound harsh at all, I think it ties directly to people knowing where their food comes from. Learning the life cycle of all food-related items is important to understand what it takes for farmers to produce crops (animals, as well as fruits/vegetables/grains).

[@Manoffire260]

You said it so well - these animals wouldn’t exist if it were not for the purposes you mentioned.

[@RevDenyse]

Thanks for doing what you do. I know I couldn't do it but I like meat so I am happy to purchase my meat or barter for my meat from local farmers. What I look for is a farm where the animals are raised humanely. Their farmers actually care about them, hurt when they hurt, do what they can to give them a good life. You and Hillary excel! Y'all have kind hearts. Thanks for your videos. Be blessed.

[@emilysullivan4031]

The empathy that you have when an animal goes is the #1 reason I want to buy and eat meat raised on a farm like yours. If you lost that empathy, you might as well get a job working 9-5 in a factory farm, where each animal is just a blip on a profit/loss chart. My goal is to get to the point where all the meat, minus seafood, I purchase comes from a farm rather than a grocery store.

[@ruthmeow4262]

My mom told us a story that happened way back when. Grandpa had recently gotten his farm in Kentucky, and had made an arrangement to raise out a herd of cattle. In the herd was one little guy they named Pee Wee. At the end and some shenanigans the owner of the cattle let Grandpa keep Pee Wee. Mom said he was the best tasting beef, so tender you could cut your steak with a fork.

[@hopeherefords8122]

Great video Pete! I can only imagine the comments! I sent this video to my wife (originally from Owego) so she knows the purpose of our livestock that she is sooo attached to. Thanks again 😂 sir

[@adolfojg1]

I’ve never been a farmer, and I have a great appreciation for what you do. It’s an honest and wholesome covenant - to use your word. People should know where their food comes from. Much better from you than factory farming.

[@daniellestarr1476]

This is definitely our approach. Some people will say its cruel but that's not my perspective at all. I'm giving my animals a better life and truly care about how they are taken care of but at the end of the day they have a purpose. People get bacon from the store and have no clue how that animal was treated....I'm sorry y'all bacon doesn't grow on trees. we have 2 barn cats that keep our house pest free, chickens for only currently eggs that we will eventually raise baby chicks for meat/& more eggs. Getting pigs in the spring. And will be adding goats, cows and bunnies eventually.

[@davidjohanson8964]

My grandpa who I never met ( he died when my mom was 7) was a farmer in Northern VA, started his 2nd farm and his 2nd family in his 60s, so here I am, doing the same thing in Northern NY, & for the first time understanding the things Mom used to say. Good carma for sure! He did it, why not me?

[@ericabrown8706]

There is nothing wrong with giving animals a good life and treating them with respect you can love them and still turn them into food you feed them and they feed you,

[@LtColDaddy71]

I have a Jersey who gave me over 20 calves. She is a pasture pet. Still comes in to be milked, even though she can’t produce anymore. It’s the process, it comforts her, and we go through the motions for her, and for us. I am not buying feed, she’s giving us fertilizer. She is like a retired race horse I guess.

[@Barbara-se8od]

As a person who grew up on a farm you learned it was just a way of life. The animals were friends until it came to the day they took the ride down the road in the livestock truck. On another note the piglets are growing like weeds.

[@conradbonorchis]

Yup, on my farm everything is either working, producing food, being food or being compost. No free rides here!

[@rickhipsag3761]

Just because you are raising them for food and profit doesn’t mean you can’t show love and compassion at them and give them the best of the animals life that what I was taught and that is what I see you and your family do love your videos

[@anthonydolezal6627]

Can't wait to see what's next! Keep Smilin!!!!

[@drcdrdoct9864]

I agree 100%. Every animal has a purpose. We raise chickens and rabbits for eggs and meat. Yes sometimes you do get attached to the animals. It's hard not to. Your job is to protect them from dying (until it's their time) and when something happens to them, it's hard to not feel like you didn't do your job good enough. The idea is that animals raised humanely and treated well produce better tasting meat. I believe in this and practice it myself. I wish you showed some culling videos more because it's a very big part of farm life.

[@joerodrigues3816]

It’s not just your channel that has happened, it’s other ones too mate I have no idea why u tube is playing at but it’s not on.

[@mikegerich1993]

That was well said about the animals on a farm. On our farm all of our animals except the 18000 broilers were pets with a purpose.

[@charlenepartlow7880]

Pete your methods of running your frm and your humane treatment of alyour animals is awesome. You have such respect or your animals and as I believe that's an important tact to have. Of course on larger scale farming such personal interaction isnt possible but even then with all the care necessary with large scale farming the farmers dedicated themselves to their livestock abundantly too. You havevsome if the most comical farm critters with you and Hilarie....lolol...you are such a joy to have brought into our lives Pete ! God bless you and all of your family 👪

[@annalorree]

Your animals live a great life in natural surroundings. They literally have just one bad day, and that’s more than can be said for most people.

[@Biggestfoot10209]

You gave them a good safe comfortable life. No reason to feel bad.

[@willymack5196]

When I went into second grade my uncle gave me a red Durox.I called her red bud and from her we got quite a few piglets and we started raising pigs. Us kids named the pigs and we had fun with the pigs they were our pals but we also knew that we were raising them for food. more than a few times us kids were sad to see one of the pigs go because we had gotten attached to them but we also knew from the day they were born that they were meant to be food and that someday we were going to butcher them. What a lot of city folk don't understand is that in small farm operations like ours was It is so important that the animals are very well taken care of that they are very well cared for because not only were the pigs food for our table but they were food for other people's tables too. Any animal that is raised with little stress will always number one be a very easy animal to take care of and also just be a lot better at the table. I do so enjoy your videos Pete keep up the good work of entertainment and even though years ago I was as a child a livestock farmer I still learn a few things from watching your videos and I enjoy them very much. I wish you and your family all the blessings of this holiday season and hope that those blessings continue through out the next year thank you again for the entertainment and fun that you bring me.

[@italoreggianini4511]

Agriculture is collaboration: animals and plants love to live with men, men love to live with animals and plants; we feed their and their feed we !

[@davidkiper2572]

being raised on a family farm with cows, pigs and chickens you hit the nail right square on the head, keep up the fantastic videos