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| The RFWF and other villagers constructing the pig paddock 2 years ago |
The Red Faced Welsh farmer has called around to discuss moving the pigs for slaughter.
Moving any farming animal is not just the simple process that it once was when animals were driven to market along country roads and through villages.
The pigs now have to be tagged, and the paperwork has to be completed in triplicate before number 12 and number 21 can be cajoled into the RFWF's trailer for their last journey.
Strict guidelines are set and need to be followed about how they will be transported and I applaud the Uk for spearheading the implementation of these rules in a Europe that often cruelly treats the farming animals it is responsible for.
Strict guidelines are set and need to be followed about how they will be transported and I applaud the Uk for spearheading the implementation of these rules in a Europe that often cruelly treats the farming animals it is responsible for.
It is vital that the pigs are kept as stress free as possible, my decision to cull them together I think will go a long way in ensuring that will be the case, but some thought needed to be given to how we are to move and load them into the trailer, after all, the only thing they have known for the past 10 months is a small paddock and a dry old hen house filled with straw.
The RFWF knows all this. He is not in any way sentimental like me. He is simply a pragmatic old character that knows what to do when it comes to animals and will implement his knowledge with the minimum of fuss
Today I will try to conscript a few villagers to be "on hand" tomorrow morning in order to help.Village elder and cemetery carer Islwyn has already said he will be available and I am sure gentleman farmer Ralph from up the lane may be able to spare a half hour............I must not forget to tell Pat, my unofficial animal helper, that number 21 is going; after all she worked so hard last summer helping me inject the little bugger up the arse with antibiotics when she had a septic knee, she may like to call down to "say goodbye"
Perhaps I will be like the RFWF one day.....who knows..... but today... big softie that I am.,..... I hand fed number 12 and number 21 a huge bowl of warm spaghetti..........their joy at sucking the pasta in without chewing...made me feel just a little bit better about tomorrow!
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btw Weightwatchers weigh in today 15 stone
Total weight loss this week 2lbs
Total weight loss since the 2nd of Jan 1 stone
How on earth do you pronounce 'Islwyn'? Knowing the Welsh, it's probably 'Arthur'. :)
ReplyDeleteWhy is the Welsh farmer red-faced? Is it because he is embarrassed about the eggbox with the coconut shells that he acquired in Rhyl? Sad to say Mr Hitler your piggies now won't be going wee wee wee all the way home!
ReplyDeletethey'll truly be Going Gently
ReplyDeleteSad day but necessary John. Content yourself with the fact that they have had a super life. When I saw those sows confined to pens for farrowing on yesterday's Country File I was appalled.
ReplyDeleteDon't all working farmers have red faces? They do round here - due to working outside in all weathers.
Congratulations on the first stone weight loss. Here's to losing the next one. PS Don't forget the green grapes.
A stone lost; congratulations. Mind you, you'll have a job keeping it off with all the bacon that's coming your way, and slow roasted bellies, and braised hocks.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to have the uterus, braised in a bit of fish sauce!
John, you'll never end up line the RFWF if you carry on losing weight like that!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
Regarding the imminent demise of your pigs, you are about to make the significant step from being just a consumer to producer/consumer. Losing your cherry sometimes hurts but it gets easier after that!
AJ
ReplyDeleteisss loo in
Oh, I couldn't do it. But then I couldn't raise the pigs either.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the weight loss!
I meant you will never be LIKE the RFWF.
ReplyDeleteIf it would make you feel any better about the way your pigs will meet their maker, John, I can do a post on my blog which would have to be called, 'Not for the Faint Hearted' in which the reader will see how animals are dispatched here in Angola (and any other country that just does not have the facilities to process large numbers of animals).
It was one reason why I decided that I would dispatch my own animals.
I'd head the post with a health warning and try to use that opening paragraph and then the reader has to click on 'read more' trick in order to be able to see the rest. What do you think? I really do not want to upset anyone but this is a daily reality here.
Ah, the difficult part of farming for food...I will think if you. May it go easy for all.
ReplyDeletetom.
ReplyDeleteI dont feel too bad and will be watching as much as I can about how 21 ansd 12 will be treated...(That's what I should do as a responsible animal keeper)
today we have all been too "sanitized" have we not
well done on the weight loss
ReplyDeletewell done on the weight loss.
ReplyDeleteI think how you are handling the pigs going is great and very ethical.
Gill in Canada
Good for you on your weight loss! I find living within the bounds of weight watchers gets easier as time goes by. It feels good being healthier both physically and psychologically.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Congratulations on your weight loss. That is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can enjoy the delicious meals your pigs will give you, in return for all the delicious meals you gave them. ♥
Well done on losing 14lbs!
ReplyDeleteGood luck John....they've had a wonderful life with you and the other critters. Gongrats on your weight loss! I reached my goal on WW and now I'm on to the next goal. I did cheat this weekend though...just couldn't resist making pizza and eating 3 pieces!! Oh well I'll have to make up for it this week. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteI think you're very good and sensible about all this... I know I couldn't be....I'm still hoping for a re-run of the Tamworth Two - The Trelawnyd Duo
ReplyDeleteThanks John! The 'story' of 12 and 21 has helped me 'come to terms' with my meat-eating diet. I wondered just how you could do this to these critters....until I realized that this is exactly how I look at eating meat. I will not eat any meat, or eggs for that matter, if I do not know how the animal was housed and treated (diet etc).
ReplyDelete14 pounds is a lot to lose! Slow down a bit before you fall down!
Please tell #12 and #21 that vegan Jane will be waving a sodden hanky as they leave tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteJane x
Well done you!
ReplyDeleteGoodbye 12 & 21...
I like to imagine you will affectionately be known as Big Softie Kind Man or BSKM. My chemistry teacher was called Islwyn just remembered. Happy pigs they certainly were.
ReplyDeleteWill you be keeping the photo of No 21 on your website? It's one of my favourites.
ReplyDeleteWill you be keeping the photo of No 21 on your website? It's one of my favourites.
ReplyDeletecuby
ReplyDeletethank you
SP I will keep the photo its my fav too!!!
(even though she turned into a little killer)
IG...
ReplyDeletethink i'll pass on the uterus
( I always have!)
I'm back from my little break and I'm glad to see that you are keeping up with your weight loss plan. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteYour Friend, m.
Today's weight...160.8 pounds!
ReplyDeleteFarewell to 12 and 21...thank you both for entertaining us and John for sharing your trials and tribulations! And thank you for providing food for John and Chris and any others they care to share with. I will miss you!
ReplyDeleteAnd well done on your weight loss...so wrapped up in oinkers I almost forgot you!
ReplyDeleteI grew up on a farm and there was a hog killing day once a year, usually on the coldest day of the year. A few times it was done on a day when I wasn’t in school and my job was helping to cut up fat for lard. The pigs had a good life. A field of peanuts was planted every year and they spent most of their time in the fields rooting up peanuts to eat. Peanut fed pork is the best. It didn’t bother me then, but I couldn’t do it now. I guess it was a learning experience at the time. I rarely eat pork or beef anymore, but I will never again taste a smoked ham like the ones that came out of our smokehouse when I was growing up. I refused to eat any kind of innards or trotters though!
ReplyDeletePork that they sell in US supermarkets is pretty much tasteless these days!
galestorm.... pity mine did not have any peanuts but they did have plenty of stolen apples!!!
ReplyDeleteUmmm...John...do you remember this?
ReplyDelete"Save the pig and name the pig"...will be a sort of raffle, where the general public will be asked to offer names for no 21 (for a small fee).....The best name will be given a prize and a certificate stating that by naming number 21 officially, they have saved her from being eaten!
Does this mean you have to refund all the money? Sorry John..I just couldn't resist.
delores...shushhhhhhhhhhh x
ReplyDeleteJust think, that they've had a good life which is how it should be for all animals. Hey, John, congratulations on your weight loss. You're doing really well.
ReplyDeleteWell done on the weight loss -- not bad at all to lose that in only a month. And congratulations on raising two pigs in such a caring and humane way. I know it must be difficult for you -- but there is an honesty about it which is very commendable.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, if Jenny hands me a bowl of warm spaghetti, I shall wonder what plans she has for me....
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of number 12 and 21, and you, as i had some bacon this morning. I gave thanks to the farmer who raised the pigs, and to the pig, which has kept me very well fed.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the RFWF is going to help you, and that you're practicing the best husbandry you can. They have had wonderful care and a good life, John. I hope all goes well tomorrow.
megan