We dont always have the time to look back at our lives, and even if we do have the time we often don't have the inclination. However as its the end of our first year farming I thought I should look back and see what, if anything, I have achieved.
Of course its easy to say that in a year when achievements have been coming from every direction, a new country, a career change, a marriage, a baby and so on (not all of that happened in 2014 but most of it did). The problem is that it has been a frantic whirlwind of events and activity and I am running the risk of not appreciating the memories and learnings.
Its been just over a year since we moved to the farm and after a short time as bare land owners we received our first livestock on the 11th December 2014. The nine piglets from Wanganui did us well and got us through the first few farmers markets and indeed one lucky Sow (now named Ruth, after Ruth Pretty the chef) became the first pig to be mated and have a litter on the farm.
[caption id="attachment_212" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Me inspecting the herd on day one.[/caption]
When I look back at the pictures of me surrounded by those motley coloured pigs, pink buckets in hand and a small pile of feed bags I am amazed by the growth that has happened. If we just look at the numbers on the 11th December 2013 we had a total of nine piglets on the farm, as of today, 11th January 2015, we now have a herd consisting of:
- 3 Boars
- 8 Sows
- 7 Gilts (young sows)
- 40 Growers
- 34 Piglets
5 comments
mud4fun
You achieved so much last year, well done. You put me to shame as I managed very little, seemingly spending most of the year glued to a laptop working. Best wishes for further success in 2015.
You achieved so much last year, well done. You put me to shame as I managed very little, seemingly spending most of the year glued to a laptop working. Best wishes for further success in 2015.
Dan Henry
Very inspiring guys. Great to make the time to reflect and take stock on how you’ve come. Well done – and all the best for further growth and success in 2015. Cheers.
Very inspiring guys. Great to make the time to reflect and take stock on how you’ve come. Well done – and all the best for further growth and success in 2015. Cheers.
toddd10
Thanks Dan and thanks for your support.
Thanks Dan and thanks for your support.
toddd10
Thanks for your support. Still love your blog too.
Thanks for your support. Still love your blog too.
Craig Stuart
Great update. Top that 2015!
Great update. Top that 2015!