Today was such a good last day to this incredible trip. We got to start by going to the Friest farm and learning all about their hog operation. We went from sows that had just been inseminated, to pigs that had just been born, to weanlings, to “teenagers,” to finally full-grown hogs. It so fascinating hearing just how much care and effort Brent puts into his animals. I learned that the pig’s birthday is identified both by their ear tag and the number and location of ear notches. I got to hold baby and “teenage” pigs, and it was amazing that they were so curious about us. It took them about three minutes before they came up to us and started sniffing and nibbling on us. We got to see Brent feed the pigs and even watched him artificially inseminate two sows. Artificial insemination made me uncomfortable with one of the pigs, mainly because it seemed like it was in pain and it bled, but Brent reassured me that that hardly ever happens. I think I would feel better if I saw it more often. The first pig obviously didn’t care and stood there peacefully, though, and that makes me feel better. Experiences like this, like the day we castrated cows, are definitely the days that I like better.
After that, we went to Ames to talk to Liz Kolbe from Practical Farmers of Iowa. I liked the different perspective she provided about pesticide. Basically, she insinuated that lots of farmers were almost forced to buy pesticide and herbicide resistant seeds to protect themselves from drift incidences. I had assumed that vegetables were covered under crop insurance and was shocked to learn that they are not. It is amazing to me that anyone chooses to grow vegetables and fruits when there is hardly any safety net available, if they should fail. I was also appalled at the Minnesota Supreme Court decision that Liz referenced where the victim of herbicide drift was given no help or support legally.
We finished the day by getting 130 baby chicks for Dalona. We brought them to the Fiscus chicken house, 30 future layers and 100 broilers, and dipped each of their little beaks into some water. They were so small and soft. They’re cute when they’re that age, and the layers stay cute, but I know the broilers will turn pretty ugly, pretty quick. I’m glad none of the chicks died, and we didn’t have to see any dead pigs today because I’ve seen enough dead animals these past three weeks. Now its time for a final dinner by Dalona finished by a delicious vegan chocolate cake!
