Life on the farm is full of beautiful moments—new births, thriving animals, and the satisfaction of watching them live their best lives on fresh pasture. But there’s another side to farming, one that’s just as real but much harder to talk about: the heartache of losing an animal. Recently, we experienced one of those difficult moments with the death of our beloved goat, Spring, and it’s a reminder of how deeply connected we are to the animals we care for.
Spring wasn’t just livestock to us. She was a part of our daily routine, part of our lives, and part of our family. We knew her personality, her favorite treats, and the soft bleat she’d make when she saw us coming with food. Losing her feels like losing a friend, and it hits hard.
The day we lost Spring started like any other. But as farmers, we’ve learned to always keep an eye out for the little things—changes in behavior, appetite, or energy. When we noticed that Spring seemed off, we immediately took action. We tried everything we could—extra care, a visit from the vet, and a lot of love—but sometimes, despite our best efforts, nature takes its own course.
Watching an animal you’ve nurtured and cared for decline is one of the hardest parts of farming. We put so much love and attention into each animal, ensuring they have the best life possible. When that’s not enough, the feelings of helplessness can be overwhelming. You feel the weight of responsibility, the questions of “What could I have done differently?” and the ache of knowing that you can’t protect them from everything.
The moment we had to say goodbye to Spring was heartbreaking. Holding her, feeling the life slip away, was a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. Farming teaches you to accept the natural cycle of life and death, but that doesn’t make the loss any easier. Spring had her own story, her own place on our farm, and her absence leaves a noticeable hole in the rhythm of the farm.
For those who don’t live on a farm, it can be hard to understand just how emotional these losses are. But for us, it’s more than just the loss of a farm animal. It’s the loss of a creature we’ve poured our energy and affection into—one that’s been with us through the highs and lows of farm life. Losing Spring is deeply personal.
In the days after, there’s a quiet on the farm, a stillness that lingers as we adjust to life without her familiar presence. The other goats sense it too. Goats are social creatures, and when one is missing, it affects the whole herd. There’s a sadness that hangs in the air, a collective mourning that we share with them.
Yet, in the midst of the heartache, there’s also a sense of gratitude. We’re grateful for the time we had with Spring, for the joy she brought to the farm, and for the opportunity to care for her as part of our extended family. Farming has a way of teaching you to embrace both the joy and the sorrow, to find meaning in the cycles of life.
At Tatum Ranch, every animal’s life matters. We are reminded daily of the importance of the work we do and the deep responsibility we carry for the creatures in our care. The loss of Spring is a painful chapter in our story, but it’s also a part of the reality of farming—a reality that’s filled with love, loss, and the ongoing commitment to the animals we raise.
We’ll miss Spring, just as we’ve missed others who have passed before. But we’ll honor her memory by continuing to care for the rest of the herd with the same dedication and heart. Because at the end of the day, that’s what farming is about—caring, loving, and giving everything you have, even when it means saying goodbye.
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