Today is Butcher Day. We are butchering our Highland-Dexter cross 1.5 year old bull Jesse and our 2 year old steer Leroy. I moved them into the alley to minimize the distance they have to travel when the slaughter truck gets here.
And we have to butcher Barney too. He is our yearling ram who has ingrowing (and lethal) horns that are right to his skin. He has a beautiful fleece and a nice personality so it is a shame. But he would suffer if we let him live any longer.
So I brought Barney into the barn. And now I am taking off. I am still a wuss at heart.
I understand, I am too. when we raised meat rabbits, I left too on butchering day.
Jackie
This was the year I told myself I was going to stick around and help. I have seen cattle butchered before when I was much younger, but it is harder when your raised them. The steer and bull we butchered I was not too attached too, but when we decided we had to do Barney too, I knew I couldn’t be there. Maybe next year?
You can feel some peace in knowing you took good care of them while alive.
I do feel good. These animals lead very good lives with plenty of shelter, food , water, and security. Their lives were somewhat shortened but pleasant.
It is hard, that part of farm life. I understand.
Thanks for understanding Kim. I thought I would get used to it but not yet.