Why We Eat the Animals We Love

[@VaveeDances]

Once again, you folks demonstrate why I admire and respect you so greatly.

[@danilobmalitjr8339]

It’s the most healthiest and Humane way of living

[@shishkebab5306]

When I was growing up over half a century ago now, my parents raised many different animals for meat. They were all free range and like you we named them and cared for them as if they were pets, my parents aim was to give them as good a life as they could. After all an animal destined for the dinner table surely deserves the best life it can possibly have before hand. As a teenager I worked for a large local farm but couldn't hack it, the calves destined for veal meat were raised in a dark shed, fed from hanging buckets with teats fixed round the bottom, they never saw the daylight and once old enough they were then hauled off to the slaughter house. I found this too much to bare. Your way is the better way.

[@micheleolson9914]

Those were male calves, they don't produce milk, so sadly, that is their future.

[@timgiles9413]

Exact reason why we will never eat veal, ever !!!

[@shishkebab5306]

@Tyelar Rhead What do you think would happen to all the breeding animals if everyone stopped eating meat? Do you think the farmers would keep them to make the fields look pretty without making money? They would all soon become rare breeds.

[@shishkebab5306]

@Tyelar Rhead You need to do a bit more research.

[@mimiohnine]

We have disassociated with real life. You raise your animals with respect for what will feed you and your family. I applaud you for what you are doing!!

[@michaelcee8348]

ella. NOT possible to "raise your animals with respect" when you are killing them in the end. killing should not be viewed as "respect"

[@mimiohnine]

Michael cee so do you eat vegetables?? They are living too. You kill veggies. I’ll kill an animal and veggies too.

[@marthaanne820]

And people who kill animals they claim to love are of genuinely the biggest disassociators of all. Reminds me of the whites when they enslaved black people in the United States. All kinds of sickening rationalizations. Trying to make themselves feel like they are good people when in point of fact they are evil.

[@mimiohnine]

@Tyelar Rhead I wonder if vegetables scream in horror as they are pulled from the earth. Or pulled from their vine or plucked from the branch. Dude, it’s about eating food to live. Calm down.

[@btrue1222]

I'm vegan & would like to put it out there that I greatly admire the way you guys are handling your family's meat consumption. I wish everyone who consumed animals would have the compassion & courage to do it your way. The world would be a better place for it. Thank You.

[@michaelkossin2765]

Why would a vegan enable unnecessary killing in the first place?

[@ellev11]

@@michaelkossin2765 right and not to mention it's unsustainable

[@btrue1222]

@@michaelkossin2765 We all have choices & paths that we are on. I'm not God so I'm not going to try to understand it all. However, I do try to enable & support anything that I see as a positive evolution toward a more compassionate human consciousness. Tiny steps can, and often do, lead to massive changes in the grand scheme.

[@michaelcee8348]

@@btrue1222 michael. with due respect killing and eating our friends should not be viewed as "positive evolution". it contributes not to "compassionate human consciencsness". killing and eating our friends from a different species should not be termed compassionate in any way. we would never love our human children then kill and eat them. we would never kill and eat our pet dogs or cats. we would never think that to be positive evolution. so why is it positive to "love" a cow or pig and then kill and eat them. they are as sentient as your children or dog. because of our brainwashing people see cow and pigs differently.. then eating this dead and cooked flesh is a major cause of several diseases. not complicated. but when viewed thru brainwashed eyes it becomes "confused".

[@harvestvillage695]

Thank you for being reasonable, thoughtful and tolerant. Unfortunately we don't always see that from vegans.

[@nightheart8927]

I am a vegetarian, so my view on the subject of eating meat is very different. But I applaud you for the way you raise your animals. You view them with respect. So many more people should act like you. Many greetings from Germany

[@marybalantic2683]

As a vegetarian, I feel the same way.

[@suehinson1629]

You 2 vegetarians ROCK! The world is full of different people with different tastes and opinions on why and why not. Its a beautiful world this way. What makes it "ugly" is when "one" out of a group wants all others to agree with their views and ONLY take their path. I'm of a different mindset than the ones I'm complimenting, and I see the beauty behind their reasons and I can understand them. If we all follow the rule of "thou shall not bring judgement" look what beautiful communication there would be. I thank you for your comments it has made my day, and I'm sure it's as appealing to Kevin and Sarah. Thanks again and God bless.

[@wendyullstrom1351]

nightheart8927 I agree! I am vegetarian as well. I am not perfect but it hurts my heart to see the way big food production places treat animals. Treating them the way you do makes them healthy food for you.

[@BigBlessedNest]

I think what most homesteaders and vegetarians agree on is the fact that there are huge issues in big agriculture and mass meat production. So many unethical issues happening in that issue. I applaud Living Traditions for the respect of their animals. It’s people like them that make me want to continue pursuing this lifestyle, of respecting animals, and letting them live the life they were created to live, grazing, sun bathing, etc. I take no issue with eating meat that way.

[@hummingbird275]

nightheart8927 How neat to see a comment from Germany. You share very kind words. I appreciate your comments. Have a blessed day, or night, which ever it may be there.

[@kelseybrown1045]

I really appreciate you both taking time to explain how important it is to be connected to the meat we eat. We raise chickens and rabbits for meat at our home for meat also. It is hard to end a life, but it is important to understand the sacrifice. We waste so much less, and we appreciate the food so much more. Thank you guys for taking on a sensitive but meaningful subject here. ❤

[@Anonymous-km5pj]

allows you to learn to value life, how precious and short it is for all of God's creatures. God bless. Psalms 104:14He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; 15And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

[@tonijones8646]

I'd have to give the goats a climbing frame so they could clear higher. Move it every couple of days and you'll have really entertained goats. Piggy maths love it.

[@sissydewoody8717]

My thought also ....maybe more than one bench, so all goats can eat at the same time.

[@h.s.6269]

That would be a great solution. They would also super enjoy it, goofing off throughout the day. Goats are a hoot to watch.

[@berrybuena]

I hope they see this great suggestion.

[@sissydewoody8717]

berrybuena .... well 5 comments with 47 likes [so far] will surely get noticed. :)

[@bentley1960]

For that small patch it might be just as easy to cut down just what you need each day for them to forage on. Cut and drop and they will do the rest.

[@peggyelmer1044]

I respect your philosophy and genuine love you have for your animals. I am a vegetarian because I believe that if I cannot harvest an animal that I should not eat it. We have chickens that have provided lovely eggs and great compost - not to mention they make great tillers😃. Thank you for your channel I thoroughly enjoy it!

[@kebeyer]

Amen! Could not have said it any better. I have not bought meat at a grocery store for over 15 years and would not have it any other way.

[@steveprice2096]

you guys are wonderful..it's good to see a young couple working together to live a strong healthy life, honestly and with common sense.

[@SunshineFarm]

Hey guys! As a plant based homesteader this topic always makes me uncomfortable because I’m a big animal lover, and also a vegetarian, but I always want to be open to others’ perspectives, so I feel it’s important to watch these videos. And I appreciate the way you addressed this. I thought you were sensitive, thoughtful, but at the same time true to yourselves. The best we can do is follow the convictions placed on our hearts. For us, that’s a lifestyle of vegetarianism while also growing our own food in the garden. For you, it’s not supporting the awful factory farming industry and doing the best you can to raise meat while also respecting animals’ value and lives. Thanks for being you! -Jenn

[@mikorey2917]

As someone who runs a sanctuary for animals, to me it is also difficult to understand, but like I always say “each to his/her own” meat eaters do not have to agree with my lifestyle just as long they do it for food and not stuff like trophy hunting etc I have no write to judge

[@mikorey2917]

Right*

[@MrBeav1018]

I am very pleased that you talked about this subject. most people will understand that you have a homestead and you raise your own meat. there are other people who will never get the picture. thumbs up for you both for having a healthy home for your animals.

[@interestedobserver9352]

Great video. Very generous of you to explain something that should be obvious to any thoughtful individual. I am vegetarian, almost 100% vegan but I eat a piece of cheese once in a while. I have chosen to try that way of eating for health reasons mostly, but even if I were to eat meat I would do my best to avoid any industry farmed product, for all the reasons you gave. I think it is unrealistic to expect everyone to not eat animal products, but it is not unrealistic to boycott industry farms and go with locally raised and produced food. It is actually more honorable and ethical to raise the animal you intend to eat - and you undoubtedly will have a greater appreciation for what you are eating. And perhaps you eat meat more judiciously and therefore more healthfully. Bravo to you for having the courage and commitment to live according to your convictions.

[@melaniemiller5871]

Very well put! That's exactly my thought.

[@MimsysGarden]

Awesome response!

[@lisacook7162]

My thoughts exactly. I think their explanation perfectly said.

[@michaelkossin2765]

" I think it is unrealistic to expect everyone to not eat animal products" That's a pretty conceited thing to say, I think. Is there something fundamentally different about you that allows you to have enough compassion to abstain from killing unnecessarily? Is there something that makes people who have not (yet) stopped doing this impossible to change?

[@interestedobserver9352]

@@michaelkossin2765 Not at all said from a position of superiority to anyone. If you would bother to read and comprehend you will see that I specifically chose this way of eating for health reasons and specifically said that if I ate meat again I would eat locally raised and produced. My issue is not with eating meat it is with industry farming. I am assuming that you are vegan from your vicious and insulting reply. I have observed that if fanatical vegans redirected their energy to do away with industry farming, they would further their cause of ensuring a more humane approach to the food supply. As it stands doctors who have worked hard to educate the public about plant based whole food eating are the ones making the most difference. You really should exhibit the same courtesies and consideration in your treatment of fellow human beings. Only then will you be able to have the influence you desire. Remember you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar - but you probably don't have any experience with that because you've probably never killed a fly or an ant or a spider in your life, being one of the "superior" people who exhibit such compassion and kindness to all living things, except your fellow human beings.

[@parks51998]

I really appreciate your beliefs concerning animal husbandry. Our universities use to teach this in their classes of raising livestock. I am the generation that was removed from my grandparents farm but I can remember the ethical ways that animals were treated. I worked in a very small family owned meat locker. Things were done to respect the life that was taken for us. In college I read "A Day No Pigs Would Die" and I was reminded of how removed we are from our food supplies. Thank you so much for your videos, they are of great and lasting value to those of us that do not live on farms.

[@Fidg234]

I can understand how people who have never raised edible animals like some of us have would feel the way they do. You both gave an excellent explanation especially the part about how a face is not put with packaged meat at the grocery store.

[@AutoCrete]

Concerning store bought meat. Who is the bigger criminal, the hit man or the person who paid for the hit? If you buy store bought meat you are paying a hit man/slaughter house to do the killing for you.

[@dewalediblegardens7800]

Because they prefer to be naive and disassociated. They don't want to think about the fact they are contributing to animal abuse and an unethical existence and death, for their pleasure.

[@alyndoyle5378]

i grew up on a dairy farm and we treated our animals this way too. our cows fed out in pastures all day and all night. we had our pigs contained but in large paddock where they could root around in underbrush. We only had about 100 cows. we had a field for a garden and large coops/pens for the chickens. It was a good life for us to grow with and the animals too. keep up the good work.

[@rhondamontiel3827]

Amen guys! I couldn't agree more. I always tell people my animals get to live a good natural life . And I take pride in that

[@davidj.mackinney6568]

Sarah you have such a nice smile. We were excited to see you as one of your posts on our recommended. We so enjoy your channel. You are such good teachers/presenters.

[@nw7408]

Good morning. I love watching when you let the animals out in the morning. The ducks look so happy and it's so cute when they go running towards the food. Have a good weekend. God bless.

[@lauraskorczewski5813]

Lisa Porchik I was just telling my husband that the ducks are my favorite. I always smile and even hehehe out loud when they come waddling out in the morning.

[@antidotetochaoschats]

Yes I thought the duck footage was sped up! So cute that that’s how fast they rush towards the food!

[@terraranch1459]

I love, love, love watching your ducks! They crack me up and it makes my day. Hugs❤️

[@melindakay0815]

Don't you mean they "quack" you up? 😂

[@aleshiasterland2217]

Excellent explanation of the animal mind set. You guys are right on point. Bless you!!!!

[@mahoganyrootsstudio158]

One of the reasons I continue to follow you guys is because of the love and respect you have for your animals. I enjoy watching your family interact with your animals. It makes me feel good knowing they were shown kindness in life and in death. Keep doing what you do. What I don't understand is how people feel it's okay to treat animals any kind of way because it's going to end up on their table.

[@coleenhuff432]

Just because you're going to eat it is no reason to be cruel to a living animal. You guys are amazing. This isn't something that you should have to explain. It's common sense.

[@serobinson1]

You will always have people who will be upset you are eating meat , but you guys give them a great life , and respect for them. I think you guys are amazing !

[@michaelkossin2765]

You're talking about treating animals well for a little while before killing them (unnecessarily) as it's some monumental display of generosity. I treat the rabbit I rescued well too, and I don't ever intend to kill him or any other animal for food I do not need. We all know we can get everything we need to thrive on a diet of plants alone.

[@sarahmichaels2117]

I believe that your way of life is the way God intended it to be. Clean food, wholesome living. I admire you for your work and knowledge. Keep teaching because I am learning so much from your channel.

[@stacymirba1433]

If you believe an invisible guy in the sky created other animals for your stomach that's just not an invisible guy worth worshiping.

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

I believe in GOD! I guess everyone has an opinion. Mine is looking out over my farm/homestead, knowing that something greater than us, created this balancing act that we call life. The whole scope of it is amazing! MAN did not get here by accident. GOD bless

[@delphine88313]

@@stacymirba1433 who do you think created that plant life you are consuming. Hyprocisy.

[@JB-mf1zc]

Amen @@ritamccartt-kordon283

[@stacymirba1433]

@@delphine88313 Imagine believing that an invisible guy in space created the plant life.

[@HeyShayShay]

I believe in balance so, in my opinion, by treating the animal in a wonderful way & giving it a happy life while it is on your farm is a form of 'thanks' for the end product of meat for your family. I think you are wonderful people and a real inspiration

[@itstrysten]

So I take it we can kill and eat you if we just treat you nice for a while first? That's sufficient thanks right?

[@Bamaman14k]

It is so much easier to pick up meat in the grocery store and take it home, there's a disassociation with that animal as you said. I've had an urban farm, and it is a humbling experience to dispatch an animal that you've raised and cared for. However, I think for us to be thankful, and truly grateful for the bounty that we are given it is important for us to experience the entire process. I really wish I was still able to have a homestead and farm it myself. You guys are good people, and I live vicariously through you and others like you on KZbin. Thank you so much for sharing your homestead with us, Jimmy

[@hummingbird275]

Jimmy Clark I agree

[@indigoblue4791]

Well said Jimmy l agree with that!!😊

[@MaineForestAndFarm]

We just found them! You said it perfectly. We learned so much!

[@RealSamiSins]

As a kid who grew up on a farm I can say it's definitely worth the work! 100% better tasting meat and you feel better about how you got it. Factory farms hirt the animals and leave them in cages till it's time to butcher.

[@michaelcee8348]

jimmy you are dishonest. why use the word "dispatch". you are killing, murdering a fellow sentient being. "good people" perhaps so. but they have been brainwashed to think it's ok to do this terrible thing and still consider themselves compassionate people. they are defenseless and they want to live just like you.

[@laurawebb5023]

Thanks for explaining your position on the animals! I must admit, I wondered the same thing. I have lots of respect for you and the way you raise and treat your animals!! You’re thoughtful, compassionate, loving people and that’s why I love watching your videos! Not to mention I’m learning a lot from you! Thanks for sharing ... 😊

[@countycalling]

Today’s video sent me back to a fosters home I was in as a pre than, my foster father raised cows, pigs, chickens and ducks for the family and friends. The animals were to be treated as kindly as we could. He felt that they were giving us the nutrition we needed and they deserved to be treated with kindness because of that. He would also thank each animal for their life as they died. At the time I thought how cruel, and how mean of him to kill them, I remember a tiny piglet being born, he brought it to the house, gave it to me and his son and told us it was our responsibility to raise him, as his mother rejected it. We named him Tank, we planned on him being strong like a tank. We raised him and he got to about 500 lbs. he was an amazing animal. Then one day Tank was gone when we got home from school, I couldn’t eat meat for some time, but after a few weeks he sat us down and explained to us the Circle of life on a farm. Thank you for caring as you do.

[@hummingbird275]

Rose Coleman I enjoyed reading your story

[@evelinefoneswilliams906]

As a farmer's daughter l got the same talk.......more than once. God appointed humans as stewards over this world and all it's creatures, we have to account to Him how morally ,kindly, and responsibly we discharged our duties. I try and only buy from ethical farmers who believe it is their sacred duty to give livestock their love and best possible care.

[@beckypotz6656]

This is why any animal raised for meat do not get named. Our cousins farm and that was the number 1 rule. Beef cattle where feed and that was it. The milk cows got named and spoiled calves. Where not unless they kept heifers to add to the milk herd.

[@SeriouslySo1]

If every family took an more hands on approach with their food - there would be so much less wasted in this country. When it's your own time and effort producing what goes on your table you cant help but think differently about it. Love this channel- y'all are awesome.

[@farmermom]

You handled this sensitive subject perfectly! We also made the same choices, for the same reasons. God bless you for giving your animals all the love and care possible.

[@itstrysten]

All the love and care possible wouldn't include slitting their throats. Wouldn't it be more loving to not kill them for fun?

[@farmermom]

@@itstrystennot for fun. For food. They were brought into being for that purpose and would have never existed otherwise. Every day of their life was better than a factory farmed animal...even their death was a better death.

[@itstrysten]

So because we created the animals it is ok to do whatever we want to them?

[@farmermom]

@@itstrysten We give them a good life. And a good death. That's better than the alternative. You might want to go give a factory farm grief....

[@itstrysten]

​@@farmermom It's pretty convenient that you get to decide what a good life and good death look like. But no, Patti, it's not better because the alternative is not killing them at all. What if someone applied your logic to humans? Would it be ok for parents to kill their children because "they gave them a good life"?

[@dalewis5038]

Another reason why I love you videos because you teach and educate. For me, animals were never created for us to develop a relationship with them. They are for our consumption. By you raising them yourself you are involved in what is given to them which will eventually become what you consume. I don't understand why someone buys meat at the store with no problem but questions your method or your "why". Thank you once again for education us all.

[@itstrysten]

Why are animals for our consumption?

[@twistedtreehomestead904]

Thank you Kevin and Sarah for sharing! I hope some day our paths meet as we have just purchased some property in Barnett, Mo. we are from the Caribbean, lost our home (sail boat) after 11 years on the ocean, I’d love to pick your brains about homesteading, again Thank you and God bless!

[@susanrichards4844]

Thank you for this video. You are so right! We walk into a grocery store and pick out what meat we want. Most people do NOT link that package of meat with a living creature that was raised thru the end of their life. I’m so grateful that there are caring, loving people like yourselves to help us understand your philosophy on raising your animals. ❤️❤️

[@thecopperbroom3657]

I love you guys! No explanations needed... You truly take care of your animals and are thankful for what they provide... We can see it... Most of us want to do what you're doing! Blessings!

[@indigoblue4791]

True! 😊

[@michaelkossin2765]

I have a rabbit too that I intend to take care of for the duration of his natural life. I don't kill animals or pay others to kill them since I know we can all get all the nutrition we need to thrive on a diet of plants alone. What you are seeing in this video is no way to take care of animals. And by the way, being thankful to someone doesn't really do much to make up for unnecessary killing.

[@thecopperbroom3657]

@@michaelkossin2765 Thanks for being so self-righteous (like the world needs more of that) and don't eat your bunny. That's okay with me. Why did you even watch the video if this "unnecessary killing" offends you so much? Just needed to be listened to by someone, anyone, right? Turn off the computer and go meet people irl, but don't be a jerk, it turns people off...

[@michaelkossin2765]

@@thecopperbroom3657 You have it backwards. It is self-righteous to value your habits/taste/convenience over another animal's entire life. Have more respect for others, and don't kill innocent animals for food you do not need.

[@thecopperbroom3657]

@@michaelkossin2765 Okay... You win! Have a great night...

[@bonniebell1104]

Awesome video! I agree with you about raising them with respect and giving them a healthy life. I am on the verge of becoming a homesteader. I have learned so much by the example you set. I am grateful for your advice and I learn from your experience. Thank you.

[@Atcheng]

kudos to how much effort you put in articulating your position and answered our questions. God bless.

[@michelekennedy515]

There are many things I just love about your lifestyle, but the way you treat your animals has to be on the top of that list. You put such love & energy into giving all your animals a wonderful life. Raising meat in a loving and ethical way is really something special. Thank you for sharing this journey. ☺

[@roseboudreaux9922]

I too am a meat eater and it concerns me how animals were raised and if they were treated well before ending on our plates. I like how you're raising your animals and absolute love your channel!

[@hummingbird275]

Rose Boudreaux 👍👍😊

[@hithere3143]

I'm glad you addressed this topic. Thank you for treating it sensitively & doing it ethically.

[@cindyr9790]

I love your videos! You're living my dream life. I'm a Missourian and a meat eater and I appreciate you're views on raising your animals in a humane way.

[@denisebrady6858]

Sarah & Kevin Thank You for such a great video - I enjoy meat but try at all times to find our meat raised by the farmer & we luckily have that . You raise your meat & poultry with such Love & Care & I admire you both for that. Cheers Denise - Australia

[@cindyflinchbaugh8292]

I respect your way of life and admire your view points in raising animals for your family.

[@yoyoma27payer]

Thanks for your video you explained it very well at the end

[@KingofalLlambofGod]

Thank you for sharing. I respect what you do. I used to work in the meat department of the grocery store and I have also cut meat a bit. You guys are great, I wish my husband and I would have taken the steps that you are when we were young enough to do so. We waited too long.

[@BacktonaturelivingCom]

We appreciate the way you guys raise your animals. As Richard Perkins one time said about his animals: "They only have one very bad day in their life". A few years back we watched a documentary about Sara Palin's life in Alaska. She and her family were criticized for hunting. The people criticizing said things like: "Why can't you buy your meat in the grocery store like every one else? Why do you have to shoot deer, elk and moose?" Just a part of the society we live in today.... As long as most people get their Cappuccino and have Facebook access on their phones that is all they care about. No knowledge about what life is all about whatsoever... ~ TJ

[@hummingbird275]

Back to Nature Living That is so true. Very well said.👍👍

[@johndalton9824]

Great, great video. Thank you both. Blessings.

[@aliciasmith1832]

Thank God you treat the animals nice at least they enjoy their lives. You guy's are awesome with Raising the animals.

[@MsLippy]

You surely put it in perspective, and the explanation to why was very clear. Thank You, Blessings to your family

[@maryjanew20]

Thank you for the explanation. I admire the way you care for and appreciate the animals you raise.

[@Janettemay64]

Hi, your way is much more ethical, as you say, you know that which is sustaining you has had a happy comfortable life, The pigs have stacks of room to forage and a wallow, piggy paradise. the poultry has room to wander and scratch living like poultry should, you know your milk is produced cleanly and your goats are happy. Rabbit tractors are moved to fresh clean grass daily. Don't change a thing.

[@itstrysten]

If you care about the welfare of the animals, why kill them at all?

[@ltuss7367]

@@itstrysten For food

[@Lois30D]

I don't understand how come everybody on KZbin explain themselves to people they don't know. Listen people this is not your life you do not have a choice or say of what other people do . Do not judge people. This is so you will know what to do if you had a farm. Stop criticizing other people. Thank you. For showing us a life of farmers you guys are awesome keep up the good work. Because at least you do not have to depend on the government like we do.

[@hummingbird275]

Lolo d Well said 👍

[@patriciamarino2479]

Good morning! I enjoy your videos 😊. Love the way you raise your animals. Have a great day at the farmers market. God bless.

[@sealfan1000]

Thank you for this sharing video. I appreciate the honesty and respect you exhibit. Love you guys. I have learned so much from your experience.

[@JackieGreen71]

I was raised a little more detached than I do things as an adult. Back then (I'm 48) 'Old Schoolers' it was less about naming, loving on, or deeply caring for the animals going to the freezer and more about feeding them, keeping them healthy, and then just being fast in the end. My animals only have one bad day. And that day is filled with love, appreciation, Thankfulness, and respect. When I did classes on processing I always told people "Be prepared for it to be more emotional than you thought it would be". I never forced anyone to take a life if they couldn't, as they could pluck, eviscerate, clean up, package, etc. I won't get into the arguments for or against eating meat. But if an animal is going to give its life in order to nourish yours? Then it deserves a good life and as quick and humane an ending as possible. I just feel it is our responsibility as Farmers/Homesteaders to take that stance. But I would never judge or tell an old-schooler "you're doing it wrong". I have, however, had a few that saw how I did it and it changed their minds. You have to realize for most? It is how you were raised/taught. It wasn't all that long ago in the grand scheme of things that humans thought animals didn't even feel pain. So unless one reaches out to learn other ways or knowledge? Then you stick with what you were taught.

[@EvaJurisson]

Thank you for your video on the Rabbits today. I want to learn more about them. This is my start. I agree with the way you are living. I never name the animals to assist me with the butchering. Yes it can hurt if you get too close to them. But I want to be eating something that I know that has not been treated cruelly or has been injected with some chemicals my body would not normally be taking in. Wonderful videos..

[@lorrets9775]

Watching wildlife programmes , shows the food chain at its worst. Your animals have a stress free upbringing, without having to leave your property. Life Isn't cute and fluffy. You live the lives we all should be living, you certainty won't be throwing away excess food

[@anotherwaytoputit4908]

I’ve watched several of your videos. This one was probably my favorite. You are doing exactly what we are hoping to do. Just sold our house in Seattle and we are making our way to look at properties in generally the same area you guys appear to be in. I hope you keep making the videos; they’re much appreciated!

[@debpeterson1343]

You did a very good job of explaining this,and I agree wholeheartedly. God's Word says we can eat meat and subdue the earth-but the way man treats animals for food is cruel. Your animals are being raised with love! You make sure they enjoy the days on earth they have and that is right and good.

[@ssBL029]

I am vegan, a Missourian, and an avid follower of your channel. My parents raise cattle and chickens, and they operate in many of the same ways that your family does. I stopped eating meat when I learned about factory farming. I then learned more about the environmental impact of animal agriculture, which ended any spending of money on animal products. I completely agree with you - we can't change the world but we can vote with our dollars and do our part. Thank you so much for this video - this is an incredibly important topic.

[@KathyFitz123]

I have to say - how you raise your pigs is perfect! So many homesteaders keep their pigs confined so all they really eat is grain. You have them living how they want to live - which means their meat has the right fatty acids and nutrients.

[@paulweisenbach384]

Great video, hope you keep them coming, I really enjoy them and the way you structure them really helps us understand and get different points of view etc., very educational and helps encourage me to continue homesteading along with passing this knowledge and lifestyle down to my daughter and other family and friends.

[@HomesteadByBigfoot]

Love watching and learning as we plan our own homestead. Thanks.

[@erice424]

When we homestead my husband always said we would not raise any animal we could not eat. We had pigs, chickens,rabbits.cows,goats,turkeys and ducks same as you. And yes we named them too. Our daughter raised pigs for an FFA project. We also had a big garden and my husband made me a summer kitchen in our barn which was great. I could keep everything I needed to can out there. Love your videos brings back a lot of wonderful memories.

[@jimh712]

Those that don't understand are why they live in the city... Country people understand..

[@juanitadafler7233]

Exactly!!

[@michaelcee8348]

ludicrous. compassion does not know your address

[@marymarth7298]

@@michaelcee8348 I am from the country and I mean way out in the country and would never have the heart to raise and slaughter and consume any animal I ate. I would go hungry before I would do that. I keep a 5 lb bag of nuts for my protein for those of you who read this it's a better healthier option as long as your'e not allergic to nuts.

[@michaelcee8348]

@@marymarth7298 yes mary! compassionate and intelligent. you don't kill your friends. and you certainly don't eat them. thank you mary!

[@juanitadafler7233]

My grandparents moved from town into the country in 1939, my father was just 2. They bought 5 acres to have a large vegetable garden. They raised rabbits, goats, chickens a steer, and a dairy cow. I don't think most people realize how dependent we have become on outside sources for our food. Most is processed, sprayed or grown in such large quantities the care of the animals are inhumane. My grandparents always had food to put on the table during the depression and war time. When those in town were rationed on certain foods, it didn't bother them because they always had enough. What this couple is doing is commendable, raising a huge majority of their own food, and selling the rest. I applaud them. I have two acres now of my grandmother's which I had raised rabbits but now just chickens, and have a large garden. I don't eat my friends... my animals are raised for the sole purpose of eating them, just as my vegetable garden plants are raised to eat. I love living in the country and being able to supply our family with good, clean food. Thanks for all your video's, and God bless!!

[@antoninettealexander126]

i have been in a female homesteading and group. if you choose you can learn to process, which i did and is equal to your stance is what learned. love your channel.

[@salmimaria8061]

Great video! You are a blessing, I've learned a lot from you. . We also raise our own meat for same reasons, but also for our own health, we want to eat meat that is free from growth hormones and antibiotics.

[@conniecrites5148]

I raise my animals with love even if I will be eating them at some point. Giving them " like you do" the best life they can have in the time they are with us. Thanks for pointing this out to the ones that may not understand this way of life. Love you guys. God bless.

[@Hookedonfaith-akasandramoody]

I admire your way of living. All animals should be treated with respect and kindness. I would love to live in a rural area and raise my own the way you do.

[@michaelkossin2765]

This is not respect, unless you believe that animals are okay with being killed for food we do not need. To say you're respecting them as you do this is adding insult to injury.

[@susandizon236]

My respect to you both. You are real sensitive people. You are far better than a lot of us. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@pamstout]

Goats are escape artists. Two of mine climbed a cattle panel facing each other. They took turns getting to the top. Then they made the panel sway and over they jumped. They loved to go down to the strawberry fields. I ended up giving them away. Then I raised Angoras. They were real characters.

[@paulaarthur57]

Great video Sarah and Kevin. Thank you for addressing such a sensitive subject.

[@deloresochoa6235]

Grand parents and our parents always used the word " Harvest " when it came time to prepare the animals on the farm for food. They were all treated with kindness and love. This always meant the meat would be without any stress, because Grandpa always made sure they were calm and eating a special treat. Also they taught us that even the food from the gardens and orchards was also "Harvested" in a way that was clean , no bruising or throwing the food or squishing it. The Harvesting was always done on time and they made sure it was perfect for the animals and the gardens. Fruit trees were a lot of work to me. But the animals, they were easy. You remind me of my parents, that's why I enjoy watching your videos. Your love and caring ways speak volumes when you Harvest. Keep up the good work and keep teaching the correct way of farming. Oh, and our milk cows, they were my favorites. Beautiful big eyes with those eyelashes and the braided flowers on their heads! My grand ma loved taking pictures of them when I would dress them up with the wild flowers. What awesome memories. Love and Blessings from South Texas.

[@driverain2]

I was raised in the country and completely understand this way of life. I have the greatest respect for you taking the time out to explain to others what it means to live in an ethical life on the farm. We have as much love as anyone for our animals and are proactive in a positive life experience for them. Thanks again, sam in east texas........

[@robertlafollette8931]

Thanks for sharing that with us. God Bless and have a Blessed day at Church tomorrow.

[@BBunny70]

Thank you for explaining to a lot of unknowing people, concerning animals grown for meat consumption. We grow all of our own meat for our family also, and we get that question all the time. Even though we explain it a million times, we still get that "look" from people that just don't get it. Again thanks for the explanation to all of your viewers (I get it!).

[@Iflie]

I totally agree, many factory raised animals are raised in a life of fear of humans and bad food. We happen to have an organic farm near us that raises cows in a herd and pigs get to roll around in mud in the pasture. They source their food locally as much as possible so that's also a huge benefit as much of even the organic feed comes from way too far away to be good for the environment (that goes for human vegans too, it's not good if your food now comes from another continent either) . I can see video of their animals on FB and here it really costs almost the same as supermarket meat but tastes much better. We need more farms like that.

[@moxiedawn4370]

Another thing people sometimes forget is what a huge environmental impact the commercial meat industry has on the planet. Family-scale meat production is much friendlier to the world. Of course, not everyone can do that. Once my tiny house is finished, I will decide what animals I want on my farm, and I will decide from the start which ones are for meat. Those won't get names. That's just the "distance" I need, but there is no right or wrong way as long as the animals are treated ethically.

[@homesteadingatkookergehoft8131]

Did y'all see the great article promoted by Google a few days ago about ethical butchering by former vegetarians and vegans? It was very pertinent to this conversation and the ethical meat movement.

[@indigoblue4791]

I didn't see it, would you have a link to it so we can watch it too, it sounds very good! 😊

[@bethmeadows2828]

Why wouldn't you be kind to the animals you eat? God gave man domain over the animals. You are so kind to your animals and I love that about you. We eat all that we hunt and raised over the years and treated our animals with respect and kindness. Thank you for showing all what you do. God bless you.

[@charleswise5570]

Your videos are ALWAYS a great morning tradition, with a cup of coffee. The animals we raise should be raised like you raise yours. There is a certain amount of respect and reverence given to that animal, so that we can consume them for our health and wellness. Thank you again for this wonderful video! As always, God bless!

[@grandmasewhappyhomestead187]

Good Morning I just have to say my daughter who is 22 and I so enjoy your channel we so enjoyed how you take care of your animals on your Gardens. Your daughters are very blessed to have you as parents and for you to teach them what you do and also the rest of us. I'm 61 years old and I will tell you you never quit learning there's always something new to learn thank you for all that you do

[@teresahill6356]

You are a wonderful family I live in the uk and love your videos thank you 😀

[@gulfportgyrl8798]

I think you did a great job explaining why and how you raise your animals for consumption. I appreciate how delicate and thoughtful you explained it

[@onemorchatykathy]

I love watching you letting the ducks, chickens and turkeys out.

[@indigoblue4791]

Me too! 🤗

[@hummingbird275]

onemorchatykathy Especially the ducks , they “quack” me up.😄

[@georgettewood8894]

Content of this channel is awesome. Love your caring of these animals.👍🇨🇦

[@MicheleAfter50]

My favorite part of these videos is when the ducks come running out quacking... it always makes me smile!

[@jrfrmem]

MakeUpMLC me too!

[@kathyvelasquez3682]

Good job Kevin and Sara.

[@anninmo5546]

This is such a great explanation of your lifestyle choices. I enjoy your channel and learning from you. 👍🏻❤️

[@ellev11]

not a personal choice when it involves a victim.. just saying

[@brendastratton1306]

I grew up on a farm, and my husband and I raised chickens to help provide food for our family of 6. We were very grateful to have that food source to nourish our family. I understand and applaud your ethics in raising your meat animals in a humane way, giving them the best life possible. You are right...it IS a sensitive subject for many...but you have explained it so well. It is apparent from watching your videos how much your animals mean to you. Well done! Is it any wonder that I love watching your videos so much? :)

[@tinapierce730]

I totally agree with your thoughts !!

[@SugarBeeFarm]

I love watching the ducks come running out ...always puts a smile on my face. You are such wonderful guardians of your animals and I wish more people were like you. Thank you for another great video 💕✌️🌱

[@karensimonpeterson3574]

I agree with you totally and wish I had enough space to raise more than chickens.

[@lorindav5549]

When we lived in the country and raised some cows we named the ones that were intended for the freezer. Let's see there was Dinner, Supper, Hamburger Helper, our kids did name the first one Robbie and loved him but he ened up in the freezer too. It's easy to see that you love your animals and take care of them in a mindful & considerate manner. Keep on keeping on, y'all are doing great!

[@rlbgardener6465]

Hi guys great videos watch all the time, couple of things when Kevin was standing by the goat pin I could hear a clicking sound in the back ground and it sounded like the electric fence has something against the wire, the other thing is do you have a problem with ticks and flees on your rabbits being on the ground.

[@paulamills3150]

Your care and nurturing through the animals life up to and including it's death is commendable. One only needs to see a "chicken hauler" semi on the highway to appreciate seeing them running around happy and well cared for on your homestead.

[@jrfrmem]

You don’t have to explain that! To anyone! The meat thing...most understand perfectly. Even me, and I’m a vegan.🤷‍♀️Meat eaters eat meat. 🤷‍♀️At least you know what you’re eating when you raise your own. No antibiotics, no garbage in their food! I hope no one was mean about it, causing you to explain. 🙏😔

[@chefevilee9566]

Well not only that the animals are raised clean healthy and they really care about them. So that love is going into the animal and it had a good life.

[@tarantulady8565]

Janice Ryan Right. What would people rather meat eaters do? Eat the factory farmed (tortured animals, IMO) animals who never know love, a kind scratch on the head, extra treats, sunlight, bugs, grass...etc.? I was a vegan for three years. When I decided to return to meat eating, I decided to not eat factory farmed animals. Those animals deserve better than that...a great life up to the very end.

[@carasmussen27]

yes I agree!! Raising your own is far superior. I once dated a guy who lived on a farm (homestead) they raised their own cows and chickens and that was some of the best meat I have ever eaten. My daughter asked the question to me. I told her I wasn't sure how they could do it so now she can get an answer. She was curious , she didn't think they were being mean or cruel. For me personally it would be difficult to see them go but I understand why they do it. Another awesome video.

[@interestedobserver9352]

@YouSurf 2 Agree about the need for population control but otherwise what you said is not at all true. There would not be famine if people ate locally raised and produced food. What there would be is less gluttony and less obesity and less disease! People are on a feeding frenzy every day from the time they wake up till the late hours of the night and they will eat the easiest and quickest food - they are fat and lazy and that is what is behind the success of industry farming.

[@tofumommy]

Janice Ryan I agree with you and am also vegan. I have much more admiration and respect for meat eaters willing and able to raise their animals from start to finish, with love and compassion, than I do for those choosing not to know where their food comes from. I have a friend who literally condemned hunters and small farmers on FB for killing animals because “they should buy their meat from the grocery store like everyone else.” I have LOTS of animals myself - mostly rescues - and I’ve had to euthanize a few over the years to end suffering so am not unfamiliar with the process - but because I personally don’t want to kill animals for food I can’t ethically eat them.

[@donnab8010]

A clear explanation of raising and killing your animals. I enjoy watching you letting out all the animals. Sarah, you have those goats trained so well. Those ducks - what fun to watch them run/fly to the food. Don't know why but I really like the pig named Penny. She's so cute. Gee, they really liked to tomatoes. This was again a fun video. Thanks.

[@alysonmajtan3599]

I choose not to eat meat or use animal products and I don’t feel like what you are doing is wrong. I couldn’t do it myself so I don’t. You choose to eat meat so you do it in the most ethical way possible. I respect that you aren’t hypocrites and you acknowledge where those things come from. Thank you for not supporting animal cruelty buying commercial products! Much respect and love to you and your family!

[@itstrysten]

They claim to care about their animals and then slit their throats. How are they not hypocrites?

[@DreamerSeerFaithBeliever]

This is my first visit here and I just want to thank you so much for your open honest discussion on this topic. You're doing it right and I just wish we were neighbors so we could get our meet products from you. :)