The Emotional Journey of Taking our Hogs to the Butcher

The Emotional Journey of Taking Our Hogs to the Butcher

Running a family farm comes with countless rewards, but it also has its share of difficult moments. One of the most emotional aspects of what we do at Tatum Ranch is the day we take our hogs to the butcher for processing.

We raise each animal with care, from the moment they’re born. Our pigs aren’t just livestock; they’re part of our daily lives. They have names, personalities, and quirks that make them unique. We spend hours every day making sure they are well-fed, happy, and thriving on fresh pasture. We know each of them by sight, their habits, their sounds, and the way they react when we call to them. It’s not easy to say goodbye to animals you’ve invested so much time and heart into.

When the day arrives to load them up, there’s always a heavy weight that settles in. It’s not a decision we take lightly. After all, we’ve watched these animals grow from piglets, nurtured them, and given them the best lives we possibly can. The moment they leave our farm is bittersweet. We know that they’ve been raised with love and respect, but it’s still difficult to let go.

Processing is a necessary part of what we do, but it’s also a reminder of the responsibility we carry. Our goal has always been to provide our customers with high-quality, ethically raised pork, and we believe that part of that is honoring the animal’s life from beginning to end. By giving them the best possible environment and care, we ensure that when the time comes, they’ve lived a good life—one that’s full of freedom, fresh air, and green pasture.

It’s important to us that our customers understand this emotional side of farming. We don’t raise animals purely as a product; we raise them as part of our farm family. Taking them to the butcher is a difficult process, but it’s one we embrace because we know it means providing others with healthy, sustainable food that’s raised the right way.

At Tatum Ranch, the bond we have with our animals is central to what we do, and while their departure is always tough, it strengthens our resolve to continue farming in a way that respects the life of every animal we care for.