Endangered Hog Foundation

Thank a soldier via Xerox

2010-10-19T18:53:00.001-05:00

If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com/ you
can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it
will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You
can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the
armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get
everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes
a second.

2010-07-15T20:57:00.003-05:00

UNKILLED HAMBURGER

Note To All Hunters:

This is from a San Francisco newspaper

Folks, just remember as you read this, this person probably drives & votes

AND, may have already reproduced.......

God help us all.......

Transforming Overwhelm

2010-06-22T16:26:00.004-05:00

My friend, Nat Couropmitree is a life coach with extraordinary skill in helping people overcome what seems like mountains to achieve their wildest dreams. Spending only a few minutes with Nat will transform your life. You will walk away feeling honored, appreciated, empowered and full of hope.

Nat has written a very powerful report called "3 Steps to Transform Your Overwhelm into Inspired Action". This report can help you to clear the clutter and focus your energy. For a copy of this report, visit Nat at: http://www.ProsperityLighthouse.com/giveaway.
Sign in and he will send you the report.

If you are interested in working with Nat to help propel yourself in to a bright new future, you can visit his web page at: ProsperityLighthouse.com. Nat does coaching over the phone, but if you are lucky enough to live in the Boston area, you can work with Nat face to face. He is part of the enlightened team at the Ancient Wisdom Spiritual Resource Center, 435 Newbury St., Suite 212, Danvers, MA 01923 (AncientWisdomSRC.com) You can also receive a free consultation with Nat by calling him at 617-332-9659.

You wont be disappointed in knowing Nat. He is an inspiration to all who meet him.

Time of My Life

2010-06-08T20:17:00.005-05:00

Coming out of the darkness after the fire has taken me over hills and valleys the past year. For the most part, I have kept to myself about the emotions I have had and the immense grief that still effects me. I do my best to always present a positive attitude and look for the good. Some days, that is really hard to do.

But, through it all, the constant is that I have been able to find things to appreciate and to use as a touchstone for hope. The loss from the fire will always be a part of me, but taking that pain and using it to help others find hope has been my salvation.

I have decided to make the following song my theme song. It was written by Regie Hamm and made famous by David Cook of American Idol 2008. It is about coming into your authentic self and finding the courage to be who you really are (which, by the way, is magnificent). I hope you enjoy this song and know that there is hope no matter what happens to you. Thank you David & Regie for such a heartfelt and meaningful song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNxo0cxFWiA&feature=related

Lyrics: The Time of My Life by Regie Hamm

I’ve been waiting for my dreams
To turn into something
I could believe in
And looking for that
Magic rainbow
On the horizon
I couldn’t see it
Until I let go
Gave into love and watched all the bitterness burn
Now I’m coming alive
Body and soul
And feelin’ my world start to turn

And I’ll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time
To be more than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life

Holding onto things that vanished
Into the air
Left me in pieces
But now I’m rising from the ashes
Finding my wings
And all that I needed
Was there all along
Within my reach
As close as the beat of my heart

So I’ll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life

And I’m out on the edge of forever
Ready to run
I’m keeping my feet on the ground
My arms open wide
My face to the sun

I’ll taste every moment
And live it out loud
I know this is the time,
This is the time to be
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
I know this is the time
This is the time of my life
Time of my life
More than a name
Or a face in the crowd
This is the time
This is the time of my life.
This is the time of my life.

Pueblo Indian Prayer

2010-06-06T22:21:00.000-05:00

Hold On

Hold on to what is good,
Even if it's a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it's a long way from here.
Hold on to your life,
Even if it's easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand,
Even if someday I'll be gone away from you.

A Pueblo Indian Prayer

Double Happiness

2010-06-06T18:54:00.005-05:00

I just made a post about rainbows and hope, but yesterday's storm left me breathless when I saw this magnificent double rainbow. Unfortunately, I only had my cell phone with me, not my camera, but you can still see the beauty and magnificence of this event!

Rainbows equal hope. May you find as many as you can. Or borrow mine.

~Arie

Always a Rainbow on the Other Side

2010-06-03T16:33:00.004-05:00

Here in the Prairie States, we are prone to some really rough thunderstorms. The storms bring lots of rain, hail, wind, massive thunder claps and lightening. For someone who is not used to such violent storms, it can be pretty scary. I love thunderstorms because they are always followed by a calm, coolness and a fresh, clean scent. And, if we are lucky, a beautiful rainbow.

Its the same way with life, isn't it? The worst storms will end eventually, and what we are left with is a clean slate and a bit of hope (the rainbow). I've weathered many storms in my own life and thought, in the moment, that I would never make it through. My advice is to hang on, no matter what is being thrown about you, because it will pass. You will come through and have a fresh place to start from.

For today, I hope that whatever storm is in your life, that it will quickly pass and that you will soon see the rainbow of hope you need. In the mean time, you can borrow one of mine.

Enjoy the "Rainbow Connection" From the Muppet Movie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSFLZ-MzIhM

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
and what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
and rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it.
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Who said that every wish would be heard
and answered when wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that and someone believed it.
Look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us star gazing
and what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

All of us under its spell. We know that it's probably magic.

Have you been half asleep and have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
Is this the sweet sound that called the young sailors.
The voice might be one and the same.
I've heard it too many times to ignore it.
It's something that I'm supposed to be.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection.
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

Vote Every Day

2010-06-02T22:08:00.005-05:00

A lot of people are coming to realize the high cost of producing food through the confinement systems prominent in the US. These confinements are destructive to the environment, the people who work there and completely inhumane to the animals. The quality of the meat produced from a confinement is poor at best, toxic at worst.

People know this, yet continue to buy meat produced in confinements all across the country. Did you know that you vote to continue the confinement practice every day by purchasing meat & poultry from these factory farms? Every dollar you spend on these products is a vote to keep the system in place. Think about it.

How are you voting?

For more info on the devastating effects of factory farms/confinements, check out the following links:

www.themeatrix.com

http://www.foodincmovie.com/

For additional insight, check out the following movies:

The Real Dirt on Farmer Brown
Fast Food Nation
King Corn
Our Daily Bread
Supersize Me
The Future of Food
Food Matters
Bad Seed: The Truth About our Food
The Omnivore's Dilemma

The best way to stop factory farms is to support sustainable farms. Vote with your dollars by spending your money on humanely raised, sustainably raised meats. Get to know your farmer. Don't support a nameless, faceless factory farm.

Think!

Who cares more about providing you with a healthy, top quality product, the farmer you know or a factory? Check out your local farmer's market or go to http://www.sustainabletable.org or www.eatwild.com or www.localharvest.com to find local farmers in your area.

VOTE TODAY! Vote to Save our sustainable farms.

Compliments of my Mother In Law

2010-06-01T17:27:00.000-05:00

Today's  Inspirational Lesson



Never irritate a woman,who can operate a backhoe...




Thus endeth the lesson.

Quote of the Day

2010-05-28T04:03:00.001-05:00

In order to be happy in the present, you have to be willing to give up hope for a better past.

A Different Take

2010-05-19T21:45:00.002-05:00

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.

~Herm Albright

Meatrix - Help Fight Factory Farms

2010-05-10T19:06:00.002-05:00

New Meatrix site offers complete toolbox for fighting factory farms

With factory farming threatening to take over the world, the crime fighting superheroes of The Meatrix are off on an extended mission, redoubling their efforts to spread the word.

The new Meatrix site and Meatrix Presentation Kit offer free movies, buttons, stickers, postcards, magnets and lots and lots of informative handouts on issues ranging from food safety to slaughterhouse practices.

http://www.sustainabletable.org/spread/kits/kit.php?kit_id=14

This Is Not Goodbye

2010-05-04T20:00:00.005-05:00

As all the dandelions are starting to bloom, I am touched with emotion again over the loss of our beloved animals. I used to pick one dandelion at a time and Casper, my horse, would eat them, one at a time, savoring every bite as only a horse can do. How often we gobble something up, being it food, time, moments with a friend, a pat on the dog's head, and then we rush on to the next thing. We so often miss the most important gifts we are given, the precious moments that can never be relived, the time we can never get back. I'm sure I will not leave this life wishing I'd spent more time working. Since the fire, I've learned to take the little moments and just be with them, linger just a bit, and hope that it wont be the last time I get to scratch a pig's belly, rub a cat's neck, hear a friend's voice on the phone or appreciate a dandelion.

Today I also mourn the loss of a favorite pig. Although she was very old and had a good life, she is the last of a bloodline of Guinea hogs that were raised by the same family for five generations. We are blessed and honored that she was given to us.

There are ten endangered hog breeds in the United States, seven of which are considered "Critically" rare. These breeds are: American Mulefoot, American Guinea, Choctaw, Gloucestershire Old Spots, Large Black, Ossabaw Island, Red Wattle, Tamworth, Hereford and Wessex Saddleback.

These pigs are disappearing at an alarming rate, and so are the people who are raising them.

If you are not able to raise pigs yourself, you can still help to save them. You can support organizations that are helping to save these pigs, such as Slow Food USA, American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, Chef's Collaborative and the Endangered Hog Foundation.

You can also support the farmers who are raising these pigs and who have dedicated their life's work to keeping our pigs from going extinct. Give these farmers a reason to keep raising these pigs. Buy pork from a farmer who raises one of the endangerd breeds. These animals are raised with care and compassion on sustainable farms. It will be the finest pork you have ever eaten.

The loss of any species, plant or animal, is a loss to us all. Once they are gone, they are gone forever. Be a part of saving our heritage, our biodiversity, our pigs.

You can make a difference.

This lovely song, by Melissa Etheridge, is dedicated to the beloved animals who are leaving our planet and to the brave human souls who continue to work to save them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksihRX4kPtM

This Is Not Goodbye lyrics

Bravely you let go of my hand
I can't speak yet you understand
Where I go now I go alone
This path I walk these days of stone

And the angels are calling

I must go away
Wait for me here
Silently stay
And don't ask me why
Only believe
This is not good bye

All of my strength all my desire
Still cannot melt this breath of fire
I go to meet some kind of test
Bury the truth that scars my chest
And the angels are calling and calling

I must go away
Wait for me here
Silently stay
And don't ask me why
Only believe
This is not good bye

I gathered all my courage
I shaved off all my fear
With this banner on my shoulder
I hold your essence near

And the angels are calling and calling and calling

May Holiday Celebrations at Maveric

2010-05-03T23:25:00.001-05:00

May is full of holidays, May Day, Cinquo de Mayo, Mother's Day. Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day. Lots to celebrate! So let's celebrate the work so many farms are doing to preserve our heritage and endangered livestock breeds.

As many farms are preparing for their babies to arrive, getting their gardens planted and planning their pastures for the summer season, we should honor their commitment and time to saving these breeds and making the planet a better place for the future.

If you are considering raising one of the endangered hog breeds, let us know. We have many wonderful animals to choose from including Mulefoot, Guinea and Ossabaw hogs.

Our special for May is on Guinea hog sows and gilts and follows the Cinquo de Mayo theme. If you purchase 5 Guinea hogs, we will give you one additional Guinea for free! Your Guineas must be purchased, paid for and picked up by the end of May to receive this special offer. No exceptions.

Visit our web page at www.maveric9.com and go to the Purchase livestock link to reserve your Guinea hogs before they are all gone!

Keep Going

2010-04-30T14:14:00.000-05:00

“When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal, you do not change your decision to get there.”

—Zig Ziglar
(1926-); motivational author, speaker

Pigs Shipping From Maveric

2010-04-21T08:27:00.001-05:00

Pigs from Maveric are ready to travel.

We have transports scheduled right now for the following destinations:

New York (central) leaving Maveric on April 23.
This transport will leave Trent, SD and take I90 all the way across the Midwest to NY. Deadline for booking is April 22.

California leaving May 1.
This transport will leave Trent, SD and take I29 to Lincoln, NE, then I80 to I76 (Denver, CO), south on I25 to Albuquerque then west on I40 to California. Deadline for booking is April 26.

Texas leaving May 27.
This transport will leave Trent, SD and take I29 to Kansas City, then I335 to I35 to Wichita, then continue south on I35 to Ft. Worth. Deadline for booking is May 19.

Additional trips are in the planning for the northeast and southeast.

If you are interested in getting mulefoot or guinea hogs and would like to get your pigs on one of these transports, you must notify us by the dates listed.

The more pigs we can put on each transport, the lower the per pig price for the ride.

The transport costs $2.50 per loaded mile, and we take the total distance divided by the number of pigs on the trailer.

If you are able to meet the transport somewhere along their intended route, please let us know so that the carrier can plan this into their schedule.

Please check our web page for any current sales specials we have going on at www.maveric9.com. Additional info for purchasing pigs can be found on our “Buy Livestock” page.

All pigs leaving Maveric must be have valid health papers. Health papers cost $47.50 per farm.

All pigs, health papers and shipping must be paid before the pigs leave our farm.

For additional questions, please email at guineahogs@hotmail.com.

Red Fridays

2010-03-09T19:48:00.002-06:00

Passed on by a caring friend.

Will You give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays'.

Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our servicemen and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying, 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.

Piglets, Piglets Everywhere

2009-07-29T21:25:00.002-05:00

We are having a VERY successful farrowing season. This success is going a long way in helping us to repopulate the losses from the fire.

We have 17 litters of Mulefoot pigs already born and are expecting up to 8 more litters.

If you are interesting in starting with Mulefoots or adding to your existing herd, please contact us. The piglets are going fast!

Hope is there if we choose to see it

2009-05-10T11:47:00.002-05:00

Calling All Angels by Train

video available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAKF3_hCSNs

I need a sign to let me know you're here
All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere
I need to know that things are gonna look up
Cause I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup
When there is no place safe and no safe place to put my head
When you can feel the world shake from the words that I said
And I'm calling all angelsAnd I'm calling all you angels
And I won't give up if you don't give up
I won't give up if you don't give up
I won't give up if you don't give up
I won't give up if you don't give up
I need a sign to let me know you're here
Cause my tv set just keeps it all from being clear
I want a reason for the way things have to be
I need a hand to help build up some kind of hope inside of me
And I'm calling all angels
And I'm calling all you angels
When children have to play inside so they don't disappear
While private eyes solve marriage lies cause we dont talk for years
And football teams are kissing queens and losing sight of having dreams
In a world where all we want is only what we want untill it's ours
And I'm calling all angels
And I'm calling all you angels
And I'm calling all angels
(I won't give up if you don't give up)
And I'm calling all you angels
(I won't give up if you don't give up)
Calling all you angels
(I won't give up if you don't give up)
Calling all you angels
(I won't give up if you don't give up)
Calling all you angels

Farm & Country

2009-04-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

“Only he can understand what a farm is, what a country is, who shall have sacrificed part of himself to his farm or country, fought to save it, struggled to make it beautiful. Only then will the love of farm or country fill his heart.”

—Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944), aviator, writer

The Times They are a Changin'

2009-03-28T22:15:00.004-05:00

The only changes that will be made must be made by us! We can make a difference. Don't wait for the Government to bail us out, take your destiny in your own hands. Be the change you want to see in the world. Look in the mirror, you are magnificent. You can make a difference. Make it today. Enjoy the song. We've all got one to sing.
~Arie

Words & Music by Bob Dylan

Come gather 'round people

Wherever you roam

And admit that the waters

Around you have grown

And accept it that soon

You'll be drenched to the bone.

If your time to you

Is worth savin'

Then you better start swimmin'

Or you'll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin'.

Come writers and critics

Who prophesize with your pen

And keep your eyes wide

The chance won't come again

And don't speak too soon

For the wheel's still in spin

And there's no tellin' who

That it's namin'.

For the loser now

Will be later to win

For the times they are a-changin'.

Come senators, congressmen

Please heed the call

Don't stand in the doorway

Don't block up the hall

For he that gets hurt

Will be he who has stalled

There's a battle outside

And it is ragin'.

It'll soon shake your windows

And rattle your walls

For the times they are a-changin'.

Come mothers and fathers

Throughout the land

And don't criticize

What you can't understand

Your sons and your daughters

Are beyond your command

Your old road is

Rapidly agin'.

Please get out of the new one

If you can't lend your hand

For the times they are a-changin'.

The line it is drawn

The curse it is cast

The slow one now

Will later be fast

As the present now

Will later be past

The order is

Rapidly fadin'.

And the first one now

Will later be last

For the times they are a-changin'.

Bob singing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ_XwLSN45I&feature=related

Lovely version by Blackmore's Night http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaUymYC9J1A

Bucket List

2009-03-28T01:22:00.002-05:00

After the fire, I had the stark realization that I took many things for granted in my life, and that it only takes a moment to loose everything you hold dear. I've pondered many things, and often wonder where I can make the most difference, and what I have left to do in this lifetime. I also think of the things I want to do-just for me-that I haven't gotten to yet.

After seeing the Bucket List, I felt that it would be a good idea to write my own list of things I had yet to do, be or have, but wanted to experience before I was gone. I also thought it would be helpful to write a list of things I have accomplished, to remind me that life, thus far, has had meaning and fulfillment.

Clarifying goals and writing them down is a really old idea and practice. Since people have been doing it for ages, all the way back to cave drawings of successful hunts, I believe there is a lot of merit in the practice. Many modern day teachers promote the practice of making a list, and technology even allows us to make a public list and get support from people to accomplish our goals. If you have considered making a Bucket List, you might like the following web pages for inspiration, Kudos and ideas.

www.43things.com
This site allows you to list your goals, track your progress and cheer each other on. It was created by 6 friends in Seattle. They also have a really interesting book called "Dream it, List it, Do it" and a quiz to help you determine your personality type. This is a very upbeat group who offer lots of encouragement and advice. Your list will be public.

www.superviva.com
Superviva was created by Susie Wyshak to help people create a list that would focus their time and energy into producing a life they'll want to look back on. You can make your list and classify each goal as active or "backburner" (for those things you want but can't work on just yet). This site includes articles from life coaches and posts people's success stories. Your list can be private or public.

www.reaperlist.com
This unusual site was founded by Brian Bartel. You can create a list of notable, rewarding or crazy things you'd like to do in your life, but also includes a brag list for things you've already accomplished. It allows members to give advice and interact with other members. You can list up to 30 items with a private or public setting.

www.your100things.com
Created by Caroline Adams Miller, who believes that "One of the best ways to achieve your own goals is to create public accountability and support by sharing them with a wide audience". Aside from the goals setting and public list, members have access to a goal setting worksheet, money management budget and wedding planner budget. Caroline has also releaased a book called "Creating Your Best Life".

Whether you decide to use one of these sites to help you establish your own Bucket List, or get a notebook and create it completely in private, you are many steps closer to achieving your dreams just by writing them down.

It doesn't have to be a list of things to do before you die, but a list that excites you, inspires you and spurs you into action.

What do you want to do or be or have in this lifetime?

(theme song from Bucket List, "Say" by John Mayer)

Seattle Cochon 555 Event

2009-03-26T23:54:00.009-05:00

The winner of the Seattle Cochon 555 event was Anthony Hubbard of Chow Food. It was glorious! Although I agree with the Judges that Anthony's dishes and presentation were number one, I think that his "Shrine to Swine" put him over the top as king of Porc.

Anthony's team came up with the concept and the dishes and all worked as a team to prepare the delicacies such as:

1. Pork belly consomme (chilled) with brain mousse

2. Heart and liver skewers with Ras el Hanout and cucumber-celeriac salad

3. Terrine de Tete

4. Raw milk braised pork leg with dolce gorgonzola mousse

5. Hard cider braised pork belly with Guiness molasses and choucroute

6. Pork Maki roll: smoked pork tenderloin, rillettes, braised pork belly fatand roasted pork shank meat all rolled up sushi-style

7. Bourbon-bacon ice cream in a fried bacon cone

Of course, some of the other chefs came up with some divine dishes including a bologney sandwich with lardo spread, a bacon bits sugar cookie w/ cream cheese frosting, and a bacon powder macaroon cookie.

The side by side tasting of the endangered pork breeds was also wonderful. People were able to sample rare breeds, some they'd never heard of. It was wonderful to compare mulefoot, guinea, red wattle, duroc and hampshire pigs and their qualities and come up with dishes that are suited to the pig's flavor and anatomy.

The highlight of the event was watching Ryan Farr of 4505meats break down a pig carcass and roll it in to roasts for door prizes.

Excellent display by a man who knows how to handle his meat!

This is a killer event, and if you can get to one in any city, you will not be disappointed, or go home hungry.

Check out the Cochon555 site for upcoming dates, how you can participate or help during the event and be a part of swine preservation history!

Mind over Matter

2009-03-26T18:06:00.003-05:00

I have an incredible mind. That’s not bragging, it is fact. I think my mind is my strongest asset. I can do magnificent things with my mind, if I just “set my mind” to it.

I think about all the funny sayings we have about our mind, like “In my right mind”, “Out of my mind”, “Let my mind wander”, “Mind over matter”, “Peace of mind” and more. It would seem that we understand, even on a subtle level, that our mind determines our destiny.

We also have sayings like “I don’t mind” or “Mind your manners”. These indicate that our mind is the governing factor in what we do or how we behave.

How interesting.

I love the story of Morris Goodman, featured in “The Secret”. When recalling his life immediately after surviving a plane crash, Morris says "The only thing I had to work with in the hospital was my mind, and once you have your mind, you can put things back together again.” While he lay attached to a respirator, unable to breath on his own, speak, walk or anything else except blink his eyes, Morris worked in his mind. For months, he thought of and saw himself walking again, talking again and living a normal life. Eventually, he walked out of the hospital on his own.

If the power of our mind can heal us, what else can we do with that power? Use your mind to envision what we can do to heal our planet, heal ourselves and make the world a better place. Use your mind to create the life that you want to live. Use your mind to come up with a plan to help all creatures, great and small. Use your mind to love those who may not deserve it, to help and bless those who need it, to be kind even when you don’t want to.

I have had to work with my mind a lot since the fire. Oh, don’t get the idea that I have it down pat! I said “work”, and that’s exactly what it has been. It is so easy to slip into the negative mind set and perpetuate all the pain and misery in this world. It’s easy to let the surrounding circumstances determine how I feel about everything. But, when I can get my mind to the place of gratitude, inspiration or even peace, it all starts to feel right again.

We have the power to change everything to the good, if we could just get our mind around the idea. It really is mind over matter, if you have your mind, the rest doesn’t matter!

Living Gratitude

2009-03-24T23:46:00.002-05:00

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~ John F. Kennedy

Happy Spring!

2009-03-21T22:30:00.002-05:00

Well, spring has sprung here in South Dakota. Of course, I dont really get my hopes up about the weather before the middle of May, but it was a glorious day here today.

I love spring, and it is no mystery why I was born on the spring solstice. I love everything about spring, the flowers, colors, smells, thunderstorms, baby animals and that first big, fat robin landing in the yard.

As I celebrate the successful completion of another year, I am filled with the hope that spring brings. Piglets are being born and we put several breeding groups together today to start rebuilding our herds. All of the boars on the farm seem pleased with themselves and the sows are busy squealing and playing hard to get. Come July, we should be swimming in mulefoot and guinea babies.

If you are interested in raising these wonderful pigs, get your order in! They will go quickly.

Cochon 555 Portland

2009-03-02T02:51:00.003-06:00

I just arrived home from the cochon 555 event. What a rockin' crowd of pork loving fiends!!

The competition was friendly but intense and the pork dishes prepared by the 5 chefs were amazing.

Our display of endangered pig shoulders was fabulous, as prepared by Chefs Ryan & Will of Urban Farmer.

I'll report the winners and some pics later. What a great event. Thanks Brady & Carolina!

Pork, Pork Everywhere

2009-03-01T01:35:00.010-06:00

I've arrived in Portland for the Cochon 555 event and to celebrate National Pig Day.

The gorgeous plate you see here was my lunch at the Urban Farmer. Chef Ryan Bleibtrey prepared his special charcuterie plate that dazzled my eyes and delighted my taste buds.

The plate included a 4-Way pork (lower left) which is a clever and delicious concoction of pork tenderloin, force meat, pistachios, wrapped in bacon. The other treats (clockwise) are chicharonies, homemade fruit pickles, prosciutto, rillettes, gallantine, pate and the center is a fois gras. Yummmmmm.

This was only my appetizer, followed by a bowl of grits topped with a poached egg, pulled pork & prawns in a lobster sauce. Absolutely mind blowing delicious.

The Urban Farmer is located in The Nines hotel in Portland. It is a beautiful, open garden like atmosphere. The restaurant supports local farmers who raise their products in a sustainable manner.

Chef Ryan will be cooking the Mulefoot, Red Wattle & Guinea Hog for the Endangered
Hog comparison tasting tomorrow, a VIP portion of the Cochon 555 event.

We are truly honored to have such a talented Chef cooking our pigs.

National Pig Day should be a great day.

Pig Day is Almost Here

2009-02-26T22:50:00.005-06:00

I love Pigs! You probably figured that out by now, right?

Not only do I love to raise pigs, I love to eat pigs, talk about pigs, be with pigs, take pictures of pigs, eat pigs. Oh, did I say that twice?

I also love to read about pigs. Whether it is stories about them or ways to cook them, I love it.

Check out my new "List" on the right side of the blog. It is a list of my favorite pig books.

If you have a book about pigs that you think is a good read, post it in the comments. I'll add it to the list. Include your name if you like.

Happy Reading and Happy Pig Day!

March 1st is National Pig Day

2009-02-24T20:36:00.005-06:00

March 1st is National Pig Day.

Started by a teacher in Texas in honor of the smartest domestic animal, the pig, of course, National Pig Day has been celebrated since 1972.

There are lots of things you can do to celebrate National Pig Day. Try some of these!

· Visit a local farm that raises pigs and let the farmer know you appreciate their participation in raising these wonderful creatures

· Visit a zoo that has a swine display

· Participate in a “Snort-Off”, a competition to see who can make the best pig snorting sounds

· Host a dinner party at your home, where you will serve pork dishes and take a collection to benefit one of the organizations set up to save endangered pigs breeds such as the Slow Food Ark, the Endangered Hog Foundation, the Animal Welfare Institute or the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy)

· Purchase pork products from a farm who practices sustainable or organic agriculture. Don’t forget our rare breeds featured on the Ark of Taste

· Even vegetarians can enjoy a “Pig in a Blanket”

· Wear a pig snout, ears or a tail to work

· Sing the “Little Piggy” Song

· Send a Pig themed card or a piggy poem to your friends

· Not everyone eats pork (perish the thought) or can personally engage in farming. But, there is still something you can do to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity of swine breeds. You can sponsor a herd sire at Maveric, and help to provide feed, veterinary care and TLC for a stud boar. They are a critical part of the breed preservation work. Stud boars must be cared for year ‘round, though they only “work” a few weeks per year.

· PIG OUT!

For more ideas and celebrations, check out these web pages:

http://www.amusecochon.com/ A culinary experience in celebration of the pig

http://www.sacatomato.com/2007/03/oink_hug_a_pig_for_national_pi.html

http://www.pigpardon.com/ Pig Pardon 2009

http://www.flyingpigmarathon.com/news_flash/press_releases/nr022703.pdf Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon

http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/1862031/ National Pig Day at Central Park Zoo, New York City

http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/03/happy-national-pig-day-2008.html For folks who take their bacon seriously

If you have more ideas or events for National Pig Day, please let us know. We're happy to post them!

HAPPY PIG DAY EVERYONE!

Cochon 555 in Portland Oregon

2009-02-24T20:14:00.002-06:00

The clever folks at Taste Network are hosting a one of a kind event in honor of National Pig Day. I am honored to have been invited to come and talk about our work with endangered pigs. You wont want to miss this. Join us and PIG OUT!

If you cannot attend Portland, please check out the Cochon 555 web page for upcoming events in a city near you!

COCHON 555- Portland, OR

"5 Pigs, 5 Chefs, 5 Winemakers"

March 1st, 2009

WHAT: A group of top Portland chefs will each prepare a heritage breed hog from head to toe for this competition. Cochon 555 is the only national chef competition promoting heritage pigs and breed diversity. Guests and professional judges will determine a winner based on creative, classic preparation and overall best flavor. The winner will be crowned the "Prince of Porc". In addition, five family-owned wineries will showcase their wines.

The event is a public event and friendly competition between 5 chefs each armed with a 75lb heritage pig raised in Oregon. All chefs receive a pig up to one week before the event. Chefs can roast, smoke, cure, grill, marinate, braise, crisp as anyway they see fit prior to arriving to the 250 person stand up reception.

WHO: Taste Network presents

Vitaly Paley, Paley's Place

John Gorham, Toro Bravo

Gabriel Rucker, Le Pigeon

Alex Bourgidu, Porta Restaurant

Tommy Habetz, Bunk Sandwiches

WINERIES: Soter Vineyards, Elk Cove, Cristom Vineyards, Lange Estate Winery, Sokol Blosser Winery.

VIP ROOM: A few select individuals will be able to attend the hospitality room provided by Taste Network featuring the reserve wines of Van Duzer, cuisine of Heathman Restaurant & Bar Culinary Director Philippe Boulot, artisan cheeses from Steve's Cheese, pig spirited cocktails and the opportunity to meet the chefs, judges and winemakers.

WHEN: Sunday, March 1st, 6:00 p.m. (National Pig Day)Chef & Judges Reception 4:30 p.m. photo opportunity

WHERE: ECOTRUST - 721 NW Ninth Avenue

WHY: To benefit Raphael House, www.raphaelhouse.com <http://www.raphaelhouse.com/> , who's mission is to provide a foundation of hope for a life free from family violence, by working in the community and offering domestic violence survivors the tools they need to build violence-free lives.

HOW: The cost is $125 per person and is open to the public. For tickets or more info visit www.amusecochon.com <http://www.amusecochon.com/> . Advance ticket purchase required (industry discount available).

Cochon 555 Upcoming Cities:

Seattle WA March 8

Boston, MA April 5

Des Moines, IA April 19

Chicago, IL May 17

Washington, DC May 31

San Francisco, CA June 7

Get your tickets now!!!!

To Be of Use

2009-02-24T14:57:00.003-06:00

To be of use by Marge Piercy

The people I love the best

jump into work head first

without dallying in the shallows

and swim off with sure strokes

almost out of sight.

They seem to become natives of that element,

the black sleek heads of seals

bouncing like half submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves,

an ox to a heavy cart,

who pull like water buffalo,

with massive patience,

who strain in the mud and the muck

to move things forward,

who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge in the task,

who go into the fields

to harvest and work in a row

and pass the bags along,

who stand in the line

and haul in their places,

who are not parlor generals and field deserters

but move in a common rhythm

when the food must come in

or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud.

Botched, it smears the hands,

crumbles to dust.

But the thing worth doing well done

has a shape that satisfies,

clean and evident.

Greek amphoras for wine or oil,

Hopi vases that held corn,

are put in museums

but you know they were made to be used.

The pitcher cries for water to carry

and a person for work that is real.

Step Up to the Plate

2009-02-23T21:37:00.002-06:00

Tuesday February 24th marks the opening of Spring Training for Major League Baseball. Spring training is a series of exhibition games which give the players an opportunity to step up to the plate, flex their muscles and show their stuff.

We, as conservationists have stepped up to the plate in a different way. Our work has allowed us to show what we are made of, and given us opportunities to make a difference in the world. Our "plate" is the world table, where we seek to preserve biodiversity in plants and animals, especially those used for food.

Everyone can step up to the plate (or pull your chair up to it!) and help to preserve endangered plants and animals. Through support of organizations that help to sustain our biodiversity, you can make a difference. Look for groups such as Slow Food USA, Sustainable Table, Local Harvest, American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and, yours truly, the Endangered Hog Foundation. Become members of these groups, or support their efforts through donations, purchases and telling your friends (or neighbors, family, strangers on the subway, etc.).

Step up to the plate and let your own talent shine through! Happy Spring Training Guys!

PS. I love all baseball players, as long as they are YANKEES!!!!

Preservation of a Different Kind

2009-02-23T05:03:00.005-06:00

A small package came today. Within it's precious box were seeds for some herbs and healing plants for my garden. When I looked at the package, I was delighted at the message emblazened along the bottom. It read "By sowing these seeds, you are taking part in the preservation of healing plants worldwide".

Wow! And all I thought I was doing was procuring seeds of some plants that may become "patented" under Monsanto and no longer available for personal purchase. That's right, precious, healing plants are becoming the "property" of large corporations, and we will have to pay a royalty to them in order to grow these plants legally.

If you want to grow plants, flowers, vegetables, herbs or fruits, look for plants and seeds from companies that offer non-GMO products and help to save these plants from becoming contaminated, patented or illegal for the home gardener to grow.

My beautiful seeds came from Horizon Herbs, a company that specializes in medicinal plants. A message from their Founder Richo Chech says "We here at Horizon Herbs believe that gardeners can heal the world by growing diversity. It is a well-documented fact that we are living in a time of great loss of species, and it is our understanding that this loss of species is both a cause and an effect of the current ecological downturn. Therefore we propose that everyone engage in species rehabilitation toward a renewed blossoming of diverse gardens on planet earth. It may not be the only answer, but it is one of the best. It is our mission to provide certified organic seeds and medicinal herb plants directly from our farm to you. Our's is the largest selection of medicinal herb seeds available from the US, an alive, growing collection started way back in 1985 and tended up until--today! We know that its all about quality, and for this reason the vast majority of our seeds are grown by us, hand-picked, wind-winnowed, tested in a practical and rootsy manner, filled with love, in essence loaded with vibrant LIFE. Every year we change out our inventory to give you only newly harvested seeds. As a way of fueling the rising up of a green, self-sufficient and non-violent revolution, lets grow the seeds of our children's future in our gardens NOW and teach by example. Please join us, beautiful people, in planting diverse open-pollinated and organic seeds. "

There are many ways to protect the biodiversity of our precious planet, be it through livestock or plant husbandry, or supporting those who can do it for us. If you are planting an herb, flower or veggie garden this spring, I hope you'll consider buying your seeds from a company who sells only Non-GMO organic and heirloom seeds & plants. Some of these brave folks are listed below. If you know of other seed companies that should be listed here, please let me know! I am happy to support any and all heirloom, organic & non-GMO seed producers or sellers.

Happy gardening!

Horizon Herbs, LLC.PO Box 69 Williams, OR 97544 541-846-6704 Fax: 541-846-6233 http://www.horizonherbs.com/

Featuring medicinal seeds from all over the world, organically grown or wildcrafted. Indigenous collections from America, China, and India. Write or call for our free catalog and growing guide.

Bountiful Gardens 18001 Shafer Ranch Road Willits, CA 95490 707-459-6410Fax: 707-459-1925 http://www.bountifulgardens.org/

Organic and biointensive seed, books, tools, and other garden materials.

Butterbrooke Farm 78 Barry Road Oxford, CT 06478 203-888-2000

100% organic, non-hybrid seed raised by cooperative farmers. Send SASE for seedlist.

Elixir Farm Botanicals General Delivery Brixey, MO 65618 417-261-2393 http://www.elixirfarm.com/

Biodynamically grown, certified organic medicinal herb seeds.

Fedco Seeds POB 520 Waterville, ME 04903-0520 207-873-7333 Fax: 207-872-8317

http://www.fedcoseeds.com/Untreated

Catalog lists certified organic seeds, please send $2 for a catalog.

Fedco Trees POB 520 Waterville , ME 04903-0520 207-873-7333 Fax: 207-872-8317

Unique collection of hardy fruit, nut and ornamental trees; shrubs, berries, grapes, tender bulbs and perennials.

Fungi Perfecti PO Box 7634 Olympia, WA 98507 800-780-9126 Fax: 360-426-9377

http://www.fungi.com/

Organic gourmet and medicinal mushroom growing products.

Heirloom Seeds PO Box 245 W. Elizabeth, PA 15088 412-384-0852 Fax: 412-384-0852 http://www.heirloomseeds.com/

100% organic seed retailer with $1 catalog.

High Mowing Organic Seeds 813 Brook Road Wolcott, VT 05860 802-888-1800 http://www.highmowingseeds.com/

100% organic and biodynamic, open-pollinated varieties.

Irish Eyes - Garden City Seeds 5045 Robinson Canyon Road Ellensburg, WA 98926 509-964-7000Fax: 509-964-7001

http://www.irish-eyes.com/, http://www.gardencityseeds.net/

Supporters of organic seed growers!

Island Seed and Supply 19370 Hwy. G Mineral Point, WI 53565 608-776-3414

Wholesaler of organic seeds, works directly with growers.

J.L. Hudson, Seedsman Star Route 2 Box 337 La Honda, CA 94020-9733 http://www.jlhudsonseeds.net/

Ethnobotanical catalog of vegetable, medicinal herb, flower, wild plant, and heirloom seeds. All open-pollinated and non-ge. Many organic or wildcrafted. Established in 1911, in California since 1973. We buy seeds from small growers and wildcrafters - send your list!

Native Seeds / SEARCH 526 N. 4th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85705 520-622-5561 http://www.nativeseeds.org/

Non-profit org. with native/traditional seeds of the SW USA. Seasonal catalogs.

Nichols Garden Nursery 1190 Old Salem Road NE Albany, OR 97321 800-422-3985 Fax: 800-231-5306

http://www.nicholsgardennursery.com/

Vegetable, herb and flower seeds. Organic heirloom & traditional seeds. Free catalog.

Organic Seed Alliance PO Box 772 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-385-7192 Fax: 360-385-7455 http://www.seedalliance.org/

Organic Seed Alliance, a nonprofit public charity, supports the ethical development and stewardship of the genetic resources of agricultural seed. We accomplish our goals through collaborative education and research programs with organic farmers and other seed professionals.

Ornamental Edibles 3272 Fleur de lis Ct. San Jose, CA 95132 408-929-7333 Fax: 408-929-5775 http://www.ornamentaledibles.com/

Nearly all organic seeds and less than one percent of seeds are treated.

Osborne International Seed Company 2428 Old Hwy 99 South Road Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Phone: 360-424-7333 Toll free phone: 800-845-9113 Fax: 360-424-8900 http://www.osborneseed.com/

Featuring organic and untreated seeds for the Pacific Northwest grower.

Paradise Gardens Rare Plant Nursery Rt. 1 Box 2630 Bionners, IA 83805 Email: www.povn.com/paradisegardens/

100% organic rare and unusual perennials, herbs, and gourmet vegetable varieties.

Peace Seeds 2385 SE Thompson Street Corvallis, OR 97333 541-752-0421

Specializing in public domain plant breeding, Andean vegetables and unique marigolds. Source of Yacon crowns & tubers, oca seeds, sunflowers, soybeans, specializing in edamame and tomatoes.

Pepper Joe's, Inc. 7 Tyburn Court Timonium, MD 21093

http://www.pepperjoe.com/

100% organic seed, features heirloom varieties, on-line catalog or SASE for printed copy.

Redwood Seed Company PO Box 361 Redwood City, CA 94064 650-325-7333 http://www.ecoseeds.com/

Heirloom hot peppers, over 100 kinds. Specializing in endangered cultivated plants, no GMO's and no Hybrids. Carry primarily heirloom and old-fashioned vegetables.

Sand Hill Preservation Center 1878 230th Street Calamus, IA 52729 563-246-2299

Organic seed retailer. Great selection of sweet potato varieties.

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) 3076 North Winne Road Decorah, IA 52101 563-382-5990 Fax: 563-382-5872

http://www.seedsavers.org/

Non-profit, tax-exempt organization whose 8,000 members are saving and distributing heirloom (hand-down) varities of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains. Call or write to recieve SSE’s free 80 page color catalog of heirloom seeds, books and gifts (plus membership information).

Seeds of Change / Deep DiversityPO Box 15700 Santa Fe, NM 87506 888-762-7333 Fax: 505-458-7052

http://www.seedsofchange.com/

Offering hundreds of open-pollinated and certified organic vegetable, herbs, and flowers.

Seeds Trust-high Altitude Gardens P O Box 596 Cornville, AZ 86325 928-649-3315 http://www.seedstrust.com/

19-year old bio regional seed company dedicated to regional self-reliance, non-hybrid, non-gmo, untreated vegetable, wildflower, herb, and native grass seeds adapted to cold climates and short seasons.

Sourcepoint Organic Seeds 1349 2900 Road Hotchkiss, CO 81419 (970) 872-4941

Cereal grains, legumes, vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, trees, etc.

Sow Organic Seeds PO Box 527 Williams, OR 97544 888-709-7333

http://www.organicseed.com/

All of our seeds are organic, open-pollinated heirloom varieties, farm direct to you!

Turtle Tree Seeds Camphill Village Copake, NY 12516 (518)329-3038

100% organic and biodynamic seed grown by farmer collective across the nation. Choose varieties based on production practices and region. Send for mail-order catalog and contact list.

Wild Garden Seed P.O. Box 1509 Philomath, OR 97370 541-929-4068 http://www.wildgardenseed.com/

Offering organic, open-pollinated, and farm-original varieties of salad greens, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

WoodPrairie Farm 49-29 Kinney Road Bridgewater, ME 04735 800-829-9765 http://www.woodprairie.com/

Organic retailer of seed potatoes. Online / print catalog.

Souse and Other Technical Difficulties

2009-02-22T20:57:00.003-06:00

I left a message for my friend/chef saying: “I have the heads of three pigs on my kitchen counter. I don’t know how to get the eyeballs out and I need your Souse recipe”.

His reply: “I couldn’t possibly leave a message weirder than yours, so here’s my recipe. As far as the eyeballs, you’re on your own, just don’t POP them”.

Hmmmm.

I tried using a spoon, then a paring knife, then a really big knife. I finally got the eyeballs out and disposed of them. I set up what I thought was a large pot and put a pig’s head in it. The snout stuck way above the top, so I had to get a larger pot. This one seemed to be deep enough, and I proceeded to fill it with water. It wasn’t deep enough! The snout stuck up out of the water like a snorkel. I had to laugh as I went in search of a still larger pot. Eureka, a stock pot was found. Surely this pot was big enough. I set the head in it and filled it with water. I put all my veggies and spices in and set it to simmer. By now it was midnight.

At 3am I checked my pig’s head and found that the broth was boiling over most of the stove and the head had floated to the top, bobbing up and down like a….well…. I then trudged to the basement for the turkey fryer. I didn’t have any pots bigger than that, so was preparing myself to just let the dogs have the head if it wouldn’t fit. Unfortunately for the dogs, the head fit perfectly. While trying to transfer the head to the turkey fryer, it slipped off the forks and splashed into the broth. Pig fat, broth and veggies flew everywhere, even landing on the ceiling. First I swore, then I started laughing-hard. I thought of an interview with Julia Child when she recounted exploding chicken all over her sister-in-law’s kitchen ceiling. I figured I was in good company.

The pigs head was finally transferred successfully, and it simmered through the rest of the night. In the morning, I picked all the meat, strained the broth, layered the veggies and meat and broth in a loaf pan and set it to chill.

It took me over two hours to clean all the pots, the ceiling and the rest of the kitchen. The Souse looked like dog food, though it tasted delicious.

My conclusion in all of this: Leave Souse to the experts. The next time the butcher says “What do you want to do with the head?” I’ll have something clever to tell him.

Souse, as it should look, from Stoltzfus Meats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Look up their town if you want another laugh!

Journal February 19

2009-02-19T23:03:00.002-06:00

Today marks three months since the fire. I've kept busy with the pigs and sending thank you notes to all who have helped us in so many ways. During those brief moments of reprieve, I have been able to more clearly define the mission of the Foundation and what needs to be done to save these pigs.

Although there are some breeders who feel that raising rare breeds for food is an appalling idea, I feel it is the only way to save these breeds. If we do not give them a job (as food) then there is little reason to raise them. I am certainly not advocating eating animals that do not have a viable breeding population. However, if a breed is properly managed, there will always be a surplus of male animals as well as females that may not be good candidates for breeding. These animals should be utilized to their fullest potential, as a food source.

If we use the surplus animals as food, we have created a reason for farmers to continue raising these breeds. Thus we have perpetuated the breed and insured their survival.

All animals should be raised in a humane way in a sustainable environment. Lets support those farmers who raise rare breeds in a humane, sustainable way. Then we save our animals, plants, food source and farmers. What a concept.

February 17

2009-02-17T21:34:00.002-06:00

I have said that our spiritual journey is just four feet long. One foot from our head to our heart and three feet out to embrace the first person we meet. ~Stuart Wilde

Pig Parade January 26, 2009

2009-02-06T22:12:00.001-06:00

The Mulefoot is Number 1 !!!! Check out the press release below.

The Pig Pageant – An Historical and Culinary First
By Don Schrider

Upperville, VA: On January 26, 2009, over 90 food professionals, chefs, food writers, and food connoisseurs gathered at Ayrshire Farm in Upperville, VA, to participate in a blind-tasting which compared pork from eight rare heritage breeds and one commercially available stock.

The point of the tasting was to demonstrate the wonderful culinary attributes rare breeds have to offer. “I could tell the flavors differed, but I liked nearly all. The Gloucestershire Old Spot was my immediate pick for first, as soon as I tasted it. But then all the others were good picks too.” Shannon Sollinger of The Loudoun Times-Mirror.

Each of these breeds has evolved to fit a certain region and farming system – some tending to produce copious amounts fat, others being naturally lean. For instance, the Tamworth is a lean grazing pig shaped to produce bacon, while the Ossabaw Island is a feral breed that stores large amounts of fat in the fall to survive the winter.

Because of the link of breed with production system/region, participating farmers each raised their breed in the manner best suited to producing a premium product. In this way tasting participants were exposed to a potpourri of flavors exemplary of these breeds as they should be raised.

The tasting was conducted blind – the breeds being served at numbered stations with numbered toothpicks to aide participants in identifying and scoring. After tasting, participants were asked to vote for their number one favorite before the breeds were revealed. “Two breeds tied for my first place, the Mulefoot and the Guinea Hog, the Gloucestershire Old Spots and Ossabaw Island tied for second. I actually can’t wait to locate a farmer who sells pork from any of these breeds. They were the best pork I have ever tasted!” said Kimberly Hartke, publicist for the Weston A. Price Foundation.

“The important lesson from the voting,” said Sandy Lerner of Ayrshire Farm, host of the tasting, “is that everyone in the room liked a different taste – and that the samples tasted different.”

The placements were as follows:
First place with 22 votes: the Mulefoot
Second place with 17 votes: the Gloucestershire Old Spots
Third Place with 16 votes: the Red Wattle
Tied for Fourth place with 7 votes each: the Tamworth and the Guinea Hog
Fifth place with 5 votes: the Hereford
Tied for Sixth place with 4 votes each: the Ossabaw Island and the commercial pork
Seventh Place with 1 vote: the Large Black
(Nine participants abstained from voting.)

This event was the largest comparison of pork breeds in North America to date and it successfully demonstrated that each of these breeds is valuable for the unique culinary experience it offers. To quote one attendee, Sandy Danielson of Farmer’s Delight Plantation, “These tastings have certainly opened our eyes about heritage vs. commercial breeds of livestock. Raising the heritage is certainly the route to go. It is a “win win” situation for all.”

The Pig Pageant – An Historical Event was produced through a partnership of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, Humane Farm Animal Care, Slow Food USA, and Ayrshire Farm.

Special thanks goes out to the farmers who supplied the pork for the tasting:

Tamworth – Cove Branch Farm, Charles and Marilyn Barnes, New Castle, VA
Red Wattle – Sloans Creek Farm, Nathan and Ellen Melson, Dodd City, TX
Ossabaw Island – Marle Hill Farm, Byron and Ruth Childress, Manquin, VA
Mulefoot – Maveric Heritage Ranch Company, LLC, Arie McFarlen and Bret Kortie, Dell Rapids, SD
Large Black – Cabbage Hill Farm, Nancy and Jerry Kohlberg, Mount Kisco, NY
Hereford – Whitmore Farm, Will Morrow, Emmitsburg, MD
Guinea Hog – Maveric Heritage Ranch Company, LLC, Arie McFarlen and Bret Kortie, Dell Rapids, SD
Gloucestershire Old Spots – Ayrshire Farm, Upperville, VA

2009-02-02T23:11:00.002-06:00

We've been having some extreme South Dakota weather with temperature swings as much as 40 degrees. But, we also have the most magnificent cotton candy skies at dusk.

Enjoy!

2009-02-02T23:09:00.000-06:00

Wise words from Abraham:

Make up your mind that nothing is more important than how I feel now, because now is everything. Now is the whole enchilada. Now is the power of me. Now, now, now, now, now… You might as well start somewhere, and it might as well be now. Why not start improving your life now, now, now?

Excerpted from a workshop in Tarrytown, NY on Saturday, October 9th, 2004

Journal January 22

2009-01-22T21:48:00.002-06:00

I'd like to say Happy Birthday to my mother-in-law Doris.

Something I appreciate about her is that she can take something simple & ordinary and make it into something special. For example, even if there is nothing special made for desert, she will take a few packaged cookies and some chocolates and arrange them just so on a plate. Even though the cookies would taste the same coming straight from the plastic bag, they are somehow more delicious when served on a plate with a little TLC.

She wraps all the Christmas packages with a little something special tied into the ribbons.

It is truly a gift to be able to take something ordinary and turn it into something extra-ordinary with a little love and attention.

May we all be inspired by Doris to take a little time to turn a plain old ordinary day into something special. Happy Birthday Mom.

Journal January 19

2009-01-19T19:43:00.002-06:00

It is two months today since the fire. We are not yet back to normal, but forging ahead with as much determination as we can muster. If it wasn't for our friends, we could not do it. I cannot say thank you enough to everyone who has shown support, offered kind words, sent cards, letters, told others about us, helped clean up, help build, supported the Foundation, sponsored fund raising events, called to check in, prayed, cried and otherwise been our rock, crutch and hope.

If one good thing has come from this tragedy, it has been my renewed hope and faith in my fellow man (and woman). One person actually thanked me for letting them be a part of the cleanup and help out, it made them feel better. How do you like that? My heart has opened up and grown bigger because of all of you. Thank you again and again.

Blessings abound, if we but look for them.

Journal January 17

2009-01-17T21:12:00.002-06:00

Ordinary Miracle by Sarah McLachlan (from Charlotte's Web)

It’s not that unusual

When everything is beautiful.

It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

The sky knows when its time to snow,

Don’t need to teach a seed to grow.

It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

Life is like a gift they say

Wrapped up for you everyday;

Open up and find a way

To give some of your own.

Isn’t it remarkable?

Like every time a rain drop falls,

It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

Birds in winter have their fling

But always make it home by spring.

It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

When you wake up everyday

Please don’t throw your dreams away;

Hold them close to your heart

Cause we’re all a part

Of the ordinary miracle.

Ordinary miracle

Do you want to see a miracle?

It seems so exceptional

That things just work out after all.

It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

Sun comes up and shines so bright

And disappears again at night.

It’s just another ordinary miracle today.

January 17

2009-01-17T00:48:00.003-06:00

Well, as we freeze our buns off in South Dakota, our friends in New Orleans are putting together an extra-ordinary event called the Cochon Ball, a Pig Field Folly. It is a combination of a live Foosball game and a massive pig roast, organized and hosted by distinguished artist Alisoun Meehan. One of her paintings is seen here.

Alison's painting of farmer's markets, meat and glory of food, along with her ability to tell people about how food events engender community and about how local foods matter to local people can only make this an outrageously fabulous day!

Director Alisoun Meehan said, "I’m participating with NYC artist Lars Kremer, award winning chef Donald Link of both Cochon and Herbsaint, Kirsha Kaechele of KK Projects @ The Brickyard for Prospect 1, John T. Edge of The Southern Foodways Alliance, Sara Roahen and all of the participants of the Boudin Trail Project, Poppy Tooker of SLOW FOOD: NOLA, Liz M. Williams, President, Southern Food and Beverage Museum, and Arie McFarlen of Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. a farm established to promote and preserve endangered breeds of livestock and who has so generously donated the variety of hog breeds that we will be eating….and many more additional local and national participants who will be mustered to play or watch… I’m estimating a hilarious gathering of dedicated souls..."

Bret is making the trip to be with the wild and crazy bunch in NOLA.

It is perfectly scheduled for January 17th, St. Anthony's day, the patron saint of all things pig.

If you are in NOLA, get down to the ball! You wont want to miss it!

Thanks Alisoun, Lars, Donald, Poppy & the rest of the "spitters" & "smokers". Have a great day! Oink, Oink

Journal January 12

2009-01-12T22:56:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone!
I've been busy working with Dakota Rural Action and the Land Stewardship Project to get the Farm Beginnings Program off the ground here in South Dakota. What an amazing course. If you are thinking about getting into a farm enterprise, you should look into taking this course. For more info, check out the DRA or LSP web pages. I am honored to be a part of this amazing program development.

We got to plow snow again today, my second favorite job at the farm (after hitting my thumb with a hammer). We are certainly experiencing winter here. Funny how it always seems like such a shock-even though we know it is coming......

The pigs are all well and holding their own through the onslaught of storms. The temporary houses and lots of bedding seem to be all they need. If only humans were that easily accommodated!

Journal January 7

2009-01-07T22:42:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone! I have made it through one whole week of 2009. Phew!!!
The Endangered Hog Foundation is gaining momentum and people are really stepping up to be a part of our work. I am thrilled with all the support and looking forward to telling you what we are accomplishing with your help.

I am starting to feel like my old cheery self again (no wise cracks from those of you who know me best) and am actually looking forward to what this year will hold for us and the pigs.

I would like to encourage everyone to become a "follower" on this blog page, so that you will be notified when a new post is entered. I am starting to spend more time working with the pigs and getting our marketing plan off the ground, so do not anticipate daily posts.

We are very excited about our USDA Value Added Producer Grant. This grant will help us to work with a business consultant and marketing expert to develop a marketing plan and get endangered hogs on the plates of many more people. We are also looking forward to doing several events with local chapters of Slow Food and getting people to taste the pork, which will automatically convince them that these breeds should be saved!

Keep those cards & letters coming. It inspires me every day to open a letter or email and hear of how someone has tasted one of these breeds or has been to one of our presentations or has appreciation for what we are doing to save endangered hogs. Thank you so very much for helping me to keep going and to fulfill the purpose for which I know I am here.

As for the cats, the top beautiful calico is Pumpkin Head. I found her the day after the fire, assuming until then that she had been lost with the others. When I found her, I couldn't stop kissing her head and crying and thanking her for still being here.

The silly girl on the bottom is Vanna, our former farm Public Relations cat. Vanna and the barn behind her were both lost in the fire. My heart still aches for her, and riding the golf cart will never be the same without her sitting beside me as I give tours.

I am thankful for what I still have, what will come to be, and for the incredible time, comfort and unconditional love I have been able to enjoy with all the animals that have chosen us as their guardians.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Winston Churchill:
"I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us, Cats look down on us, but Pigs treat us as equals."

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T21:35:00.006-06:00

As we kiss 2008 goodbye, I am nearly mesmerized by the events of the past year. On one hand, I am happy to see 2008 end. It has been a year of many challenges for us; broken bones, auto accident, job layoff, skyrocketing corn and fuel prices, and of course, the tragic fire & loss of many dearly loved animals.

On the other hand, it has been a year of incredible good fortune, serendipity, synchronicity, magical events and dreams come true. I’d like to share some of these, so that you can get a feel for why I can look at the challenges with tears and joy, and know-without a doubt- that good is always more powerful than bad.

Our blessings of 2008 included a chance meeting on an airplane with a banker who has helped us to get the business side of our conservation work up and running;

Bret accepted a very prestigious position working with NASA;

My book about Pigs was released in May 2008 (Published by Hobby Farms);

Through my friends at Slow Food, Animal Welfare Institute & American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, I have had opportunities to speak to many audiences about our work with endangered pigs;

Through Dakota Rural Action we have been able to pursue our passion for local foods;

We had two blue guinea hogs born at Maveric, a color that has been thought to be extinct for over 50 years;

Our on-farm internship program has helped us to be a part of the futures of beginning farmers, and our recent connection with the Land Stewardship Project will afford us more opportunities to work through their Farm Beginnings program to help new farmers make a plan and start a viable farming operation;

We have been selected as a grant recipient from the USDA to create a market for pork from our endangered hogs, and afford us the opportunity to partner with several other family farms raising endangered pigs;

We have met, enjoyed dinner and conversations with Vandana Shiva, Michael Pollan, Chefs Dan Barber, Stephen Stryjewski, Donald Link, Susan Spicer and Frank Brigtsen, and were delighted to spend time with the new Slow Food USA President Josh Vietel;

We have been able to serve on the Boards of the Slow Food Ark of Taste, American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, National Family Farm Coalition, Western Organizations Resource Council and Dakota Rural Action. All of these organizations promote family farms, local food, beginning farmers and educating the public about the very important work these groups do;

The outpouring of love and financial support for the Endangered Hog Foundation has been enormous. Through your generosity, we have been able to secure temporary housing for all animals through the South Dakota winter, have been able to replace urgently needed supplies, have been able to place some of the growing stock on other farms until they reach market or breeding weight, and have some surplus donations which we will use to fund the importation of the Wessex pigs from Australia;

We’ve developed relationships with pig farmers in Europe who want to work with us in further developing the breeds we both have and expanding the bloodlines on both sides of the pond;

But, the most important thing to happen to us in 2008 is that we have been reminded STRONGLY that we have the most supportive, clever, helpful, creative, reliable, hardworking, dedicated, passionate friends that any person could ever hope for.

We have been blessed in 2008 by all of you. It may be tough, but I hope to do even better in 2009 by accepting more blessings, loving our friends much more and enlisting the help of all we know to save rare and endangered pig breeds.

Happy New Year Everyone. May 2009 be filled with Blessings above and beyond your wildest dreams!

Arie & Bret

Journal Dec 25

2008-12-25T17:37:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope that the peace associated with this season comes to you in abundance. Thank you for bringing peace to us and for all the practical help you have given.

Words from Angels Among Us recorded by Alabama

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees,
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me.
A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand.
A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand.
And ain't it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road,
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.

Oh I believe there are angels among us,
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours,
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give,
To guide us with a light of love.

Journal Dec 24

2008-12-25T14:21:00.002-06:00

It is Christmas eve. Bret & I spend the day getting feed delivered and moved around, and trying to get the tractors running. The bitter cold has left all the equipment angry and uncooperative (I feel the same way).

We had hoped to get the plowing done to make the chores easier, but, that’s not going to happen today. It should warm up by the weekend, so we’ll probably spend it getting snow moved around.

Plowing snow, to me, is the most asinine job we do here in South Dakota. Although we have to move the snow in order to get around, it just seems so stupid to move piles of frozen, crunchy water from one side of the farm to the other, one part of the yard to another. Plowing is tough on the body, as you spend most of your time spun around in the seat, looking behind you as you plow. Then there’s always the shoveling…..

The drifts are piled high as the wind continues to blow, but they’ll have to sit until another day.

Me in a snow drift. Check out the ominous sky behind me.

Journal Dec 23

2008-12-25T14:07:00.000-06:00

Our friend Doug sat at the hay sale for us this morning and got us a rack of straw bales. We’ll use these to shore up the perimeter of the walk in shed, as the ground is too frozen to get any fill right now.

The straw will block the wind from coming in at the ground level and will help to maintain the heat in the barn. We should be able to move some pigs in this weekend.

The walk in shed is now an official “barn” and looks pretty darned good. Thanks to all who helped get it closed in.

Journal Dec 22

2008-12-25T13:31:00.000-06:00

The cold continues. I feel like I am living in one of the Little House on the Prairie episodes. When you read about the hardships of Prairie life in books such as Butter in the Well, Pioneer Women & My Face to the Wind, you quickly realize that it takes one rugged individual to live here. Although we have modern amenities, you can’t fight Mother Nature. Sometimes you have to let her win and just stay indoors with a cup of tea and a book (or the internet…..).

During chores, I take the time to lay down with a Wessex boar and give him a belly rub. He has no interest in braving the snow drifts either. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

Journal Dec 21

2008-12-25T13:19:00.000-06:00

It was bitter cold here, though sunny. The weather is kicking our butts. I took a much needed rest while Silvia and Bret fought with the gelled up fuel in the tractors and heaters.

They managed to get some feed moved around and some bedding put down before calling it a day.

I am thankful to have had some time to do nothing.

The mulefoot boars are enjoying their new house.

Journal Dec 20

2008-12-25T12:57:00.003-06:00

Today we had a ridiculous storm with 4 inches of snow, winds up to 40 MPH, high temp of minus 2 and wind chills of minus 26.

In spite of that, Silvia, Justin and I stood outside all day and built one of the portable shelters so that we could get the Mulefoot boars inside.

This was the first shelter we have built, so had to learn it “from the ground up”. We all had frozen fingers, lips, feet and eye lashes, but kept at it until we had the shelter not only standing proud, but bedded down and all the boars tucked inside.

Thank you Silvia & Justin, I would have quit long before you did!

Just as we were bolting on the last panel to the shelter, we looked up and saw a Sun Dog. For those of you who’ve never seen one, it is an amazing sight. In South Dakota, Sun Dogs usually happen after a snow or ice storm. It is sort of like a rainbow after a thunderstorm.

Although there is a lot of technical info on Sun Dogs or Parhelia, to me it means there is light after the storm. The Sun Dog appeared right over the spot where the barn once stood. Again, we can find hope if we choose to look for it.

Journal Dec 19

2008-12-19T21:01:00.002-06:00

It is one month today since the fire. It has been the hardest month we have ever had. Although we are making progress, it has been a time of intense emotions, overwhelming grief and work, an enormous amount of support, ups and downs, anger, relief and a whole lot more. One thing that has yet to come is acceptance.

I still cannot get my mind around the purpose of such an event, the same way I cannot understand the random acts of nature and humans that continually destroy our planet, ourselves, our capacity to care and our ability to see that what we do now can effect generations to come.

There have been plenty of moments since the fire that I thought it would just be easier to quit. But immediately, I think of all the work that we have done and the difference we have made with the pigs, local food, public education about biodiversity and more.

My grief lingers on and I know it will take time to come to a place of acceptance, even if understanding never comes. I am allowing myself this time of grief and coming to terms with the fact that things will never be the same.

I pray that through this tragedy, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of others and to do more to save rare breeds and our precious planet. We can make a difference, every one of us, if we just let ourselves.

My prayer for today: Let me grieve for the love I have lost, but keep my heart open for the love that is to come.

Sense of Humor

2008-12-18T23:05:00.002-06:00

My friend Calleen has a great (albeit sick) sense of humor. After the fire, she suggested I start a series of short stories called "Little Disaster on the Prairie".

When I told her I had damaged my vocal chords in the fire and was told to take 4-6 weeks off from speaking, she said "Have they met you?".

Thanks Calleen, for bringing a smile to my face and making me laugh for the first time since the fire.

Assistance comes in Practical Forms Too!

2008-12-18T22:42:00.003-06:00

Folks have been so creative in helping us through this tragedy, that we just have to mention them.

A new friend from North Carolina took the time to look at classified ads and livestock sale barns in the area, and compiled a list of places & numbers for me to contact to source hay & alfalfa.

A Minnesota man has offered to attend hay sales in the area and purchase hay on our behalf, saving me the time and anxiety of spending days at the sale.

A friend has offered to help write cards and make phone calls to people who are not connected to the internet.

Our local Walco has offered to deliver feed to save me the trip to town.

A friend has offered to do my grocery shopping when he is in town.

Several people have cooked meals for us and delivered them.

Other rare breed farms have offered to take some of our stock for the winter to lighten the work load.

And, my personal favorite-a company has offered the use of their attorney should the insurance company continue their antics......

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you everyone, for being so creative, helpful, inspiring, thinking outside the box, being there to listen and fight for us when we don't have the strength to fight for ourselves. You are helping us to turn a pile of rubble into the richest, most fertile compost in which to grow the future.

Wessex Saddlebacks

2008-12-18T21:06:00.000-06:00

We are starting to get back on track with our breeding protocols and schedule. Due to the fire, we had to cancel a semen collection and artificial insemination of the wessex saddlebacks.

We are scheduled with our vets from Pipestone Vet Clinic to get our sows back in sync with their estrus and to collect semen from the boars. Some of the semen will be placed in the germplasm bank in Boulder, Colorado, so that we can have access to it in the event of an emergency.

It will take about three weeks to sync all the girls up before we can collect & inseminate. We'll keep you posted and have lots of pictures to show.

Wessex Saddleback piglets born September 2007. We have not been able to get a litter since.

About the Wessex Saddleback: The WS is so rare that they are not even on the endangered list. There are so few, that a viable breeding population no longer exists. Currently, there are 15 in the US and 38 in Australia. They are already extinct in their native England. The WS is one of the breeds used to create the American Hampshire. The WS was one of the most populous breeds at one time in England's history. During the 1950's, the British Pig Breeder's Association decided to combine the WS with another belted breed, the Essex, due to low numbers of each. In essence, by combining the two breeds, they extincted both. The resulting amalgamation created what is known today as the British Saddleback. No purebred herds of either Wessex or Essex remain in the UK.

The folks in Australia have graciously offered to give us piglets to use with our existing herd, to reinvigorate the breeding stock and grow the population. To import pigs from Australia, we must go through a rigorous application with the government, quarantine on both sides and the actual transport. It costs approximately $5000 per piglet.

This effort will further our work with endangered pig breeds as well as solidify relationships with rare breed stewards in other countries.

If you would like to be part of this historic event, please contact us at maveric9@hotmail.com.

Journal Dec 18

2008-12-18T19:52:00.002-06:00

We are so excited to take delivery of the temporary quonset shelters today. We've been waiting more than a week, due to weather in the midwest.

We'll be assembling the shelters over the next few days and hope to have everyone in a shelter by the end of the weekend.

Cornstalks for bedding came from our neighbors, so everyone will be snug and under cover soon.

Special thanks to Hawkeye Steel for getting us the shelters so quickly and giving us a great price. We'll be uploading pictures to show our progress.

Honorable Mentions

2008-12-18T19:37:00.005-06:00

We have been helped enormously by people spreading the word about our work with endangered hog breeds, the devastation of the fire and by generously giving to the rebuild fund.

We'd like to thank Bret's parents, Colin & Doris, for being the first contributors to the Endangered Hog Foundation.

We'd like to send a special thanks to Slow Food USA for sending out numerous emails and helping us to raise funds for emergency supplies, to the Animal Welfare Institute for their generous donation to help purchase temporary shelters, Chef's Collaborative for rallying the troops for support, and the local Slow Food Chapters for putting together fund raising events and for direct contributions.

Enormous thanks go to the staff and members of Dakota Rural Action for continuing to help us through the cleanup and for the moral support.

Special thanks goes to Brian of Heritage Farm in Heber Springs, Arkansas, for his generous donation and intense support in saving rare breeds.

We would also like to thank our friends from Storey Publishing, Hobby Farms Magazine, and Grit Magazine.

There are some great blog & web links to other friends who are assisting in numerous ways to help us continue our work. Check them out below.

http://www.sararoahen.com/Sara_Roahen/Active_Blog/Entries/2008/12/10_A_DevastaTing_Fire%2C_a_Worthy_Cause_.html

http://slowfoodsantafe.blogspot.com/

http://www.cornertablerestaurant.com/blog/?p=99

http://www.balticbeacon.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081203/NEWS/81202004

http://culinary-colorado.blogspot.com/2008/12/heritage-pig-farm-destroyed-by-fire.html

Journal Dec 17

2008-12-18T19:29:00.002-06:00

It was a really pretty day with practically a heat wave-we were up to 8 degrees!

Andy finished the siding and the electricians replaced all the burned wiring & light fixtures on the chicken house.

The 4 guinea boars, Sedge, Bullwinkle, Carlos & Peter are snug in their new pens inside.

We are continuing to receive support as our friends and associates link blogs and web pages to ours, telling people of our story and work. We are so thankful to all of you who are carrying the torch for us while we recover.

Pictures December 16

2008-12-18T19:07:00.003-06:00

It is snowing sideways in South Dakota.
Guinea Hog Sows snuggle up in the straw.
Wessex Saddlebacks covered in snow.

Journal Dec 16

2008-12-17T23:25:00.001-06:00

I couldn’t sleep again, so was up at 4:15. I tried to muster enthusiasm to go outside and start chores. With the wind blowing, snow falling and the high predicted at a whopping 2 degrees, the most I could muster was resolve.

I loaded up with clothes to head outdoors. I had to laugh when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Seriously. What kind of crazy person would do this? I had on two pairs of socks, boot liners and snow boots, sweat pants, jeans, snowmobile pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, Carhart, snood, ski mask, hat, headband, two pairs of gloves & goggles. Just for giggles, I weighed myself and was wearing a whopping extra 45 pounds in clothes. I thought to myself that if I fell into a drift, I’d never be able to get up. No one would find me until spring. Making snow angels is out of the question.

We have a weird phenomenon in South Dakota in that it actually snows sideways. It was snowing from south to north today. Normally, the barn would block a lot of the wind and snow from the house and the pig pens, but it is no longer there. The snow blows right against the house, making for really groovy drifts.

The pigs seem to just hunker down and ride out the storm. They have so much to teach us. Like: when it gets really bad, snuggle up with your friends and take a nap.

Brian worked all day to finish the boar pens, and at 7pm we finally finished getting the boys indoors. What a relief.

Journal Dec 15

2008-12-16T23:04:00.002-06:00

I’m feeling like a true pioneer woman today. It is so cold in South Dakota. The highway was finally opened around 8:30 this morning. The wind continues to blow and we reach a high of minus 6 degrees with a wind chill of minus 26.

The pigs bury themselves under corn stalks and straw to keep warm. Brian and I put in a few hours on the pens in the revamped chicken house, but still do not get done. It’s just too cold to work and the wood for the pens is so frozen, the screws won’t even go through it.

As I struggled to push the hose reel across the alley to the pens, I ponder the definition of insanity…….(doing the same thing, expecting a different outcome).

I am thankful that nothing has died today and no animals needed any sort of treatment. I haven’t had a day free of death in a while, so this is a welcome change.

I took time to talk about “normal” stuff with an old and dear friend, which also brought me relief.

Journal Dec 14

2008-12-16T23:04:00.000-06:00

2008-12-16T22:27:00.001-06:00

Sylvia, our resident lobbyist and Mark, our Advertising Executive both claim to be "un-handy". Well, they did one heck of a job removing the burned part of the chicken house and getting it ready for the new siding.

The nearly closed in walk in shed, now looking like a barn.

All that remains of the once glorious gambrel barn.

Andy & Jon putting up the last piece of tin on the walk in shed. Got ya Andy!

Journal Dec 14

2008-12-15T19:06:00.002-06:00

Our neighbor Brian spent the day helping me rip out chicken pens and build pig pens in the chicken house for the boars. Typically, the boars would be with their breeding groups by now, but we weren't able to get them together over Thanksgiving as is our usual schedule. This delay will put us behind several months come spring, as the piglets will be coming much later.

Brian is a fun and skilled handy man. He always has something funny to say like "I love mornings, nothing's gone wrong yet". We have lunch near the woodstove and talk about the fickle nature of things, "one minute you're on the top of the world, next you're in the manure pile".

It is bitter cold here with high winds. The highway is closed from our exit north to North Dakota.

We don't get the pens finished before dark, so we pile up plywood and extra bedding around the pigs who need it and call it a day.

Journal Dec 13

2008-12-14T19:37:00.003-06:00

Today was a busy day, full of volunteers helping to do the remaining cleanup and finish closing in the walk in shed.

Our Handy carpenter, Andy (who flipped me off every time I tried to take his picture) led the team of volunteers to finish getting the sidewalls up on the walk in shed and close in the end of the new barn. Everyone worked tirelessly to make sure it all came together by the end of the day.

Several folks finished cleaning up the rubble and ash from the burned barn.

We have a lot to show for their efforts, as the walk in shed is now a completely enclosed pole barn, that will provide ample space for getting the rest of the pigs indoors for the winter and a little room for storing hay.

After everyone went home for the day, I had a few minutes to walk around and check on the animals. As I turned the path to head back toward the house, I saw the concrete slab, the only remnant of the barn. The scene completely crushed me.

With every last shred of it cleaned up and all the ash and rubble piled into the giant dumpsters, there was no trace of it's former glory or the importance of that barn in our lives.

It all seemed so irreversible, so permanent, so final and so completely over. My heart ached and I could not control my tears. All that remains now is a giant concrete block and the memories. The pain seems like it will never end.

Praying

2008-12-13T20:45:00.003-06:00

My prayer for the past few weeks have been the words of Ed Roland of the band Collective Soul.

From "Shine"

Give me a word
Give me a sign
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find (What will I find?)
Lay me on the ground
Fly me in the sky
Show me where to look
Tell me what will I find (What will I find?)
Oh, Heaven let your light shine down
Love is in the water
Love is in the air
Show me where to look
Tell me will love be there (Will love be there?)
Teach me how to speak
Teach me how to share
Teach me where to go
Tell me will love be there (Will love be there?)
Oh, Heaven let your light shine down

For more info on the music of Collective Soul, check them out at www.collectivesoul.com.

Journal Dec 12

2008-12-13T19:39:00.003-06:00

This has been such a long week, filled with way too many ups and downs. Our saga continues with the insurance company, but we are getting closer to having the remains of the barn cleaned up. The electricians continued work on getting power to the places we need it and for getting the walk in shed (now somewhat looking like a barn) wired for power too.

When I went for the mail, I was delighted to receive my Seed Savers Exchange catalogue. I was instantly filled with hope. Now, you may be wondering, Hope? Absolutely! As soon as the Seed Savers catalogue gets here every year, I start salivating over the luscious vegetables pictured, and start dreaming of my garden for next year. Planting the garden is a sure sign that spring has come. No matter how long the winter has been, spring always comes. There is no coincidence that I was born on the first day of spring.

I am trying to see the fire in the same way. No matter how horrible this is or how long it seems to be taking to get back to normal, I know-without a doubt-that spring will come, and I can start over fresh and new.

Although I am not anticipating having the time for a garden this coming spring because we will be busy rebuilding, I still want to pour over all the wonderful options I would have to plant in the garden. It helps me to have hope.

Note: Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization that saves and shares the heirloom seeds of our garden heritage, forming a living legacy that can be passed down through generations. When people grow and save seeds, they join an ancient tradition as stewards, nurturing our diverse, fragile, genetic and cultural heritage.

I love the work of Seed Savers. Please visit them at www.seedsavers.org and get your own catalogue. I guarantee you'll spend hours being mesmerized by all the wonderful vegetables fruits, herbs and flowers they have available.

Journal Dec 11

2008-12-12T21:10:00.001-06:00

Today started off with a welcomed visit from the zookeepers at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Eight keepers came to the ranch ready to work. They spent the morning shoveling ash, stripping melted siding and nails from the burned corner of the new barn, and helped to bed down pens of pigs.
It is such a delight to work with the young people from the zoo. They are so enthusiastic and full of life, and full of love for animals. It was a wonderful time for me, as I felt inspired and recharged just from being around them. Thank you Jay, Scott, Hollie, Kim, Robin, Amanda, Amber & Melanie!

The Great Plains Zoo recently partnered with Sanford Children's hospital to create ZooTV. Fourteen cameras will be placed throughout the zoo, focused on various animals. Patients at the children's hospital and visitors in waiting rooms will be able to log onto the zoo web page and watch the animals. What a cool concept and what a way to heal children! Awesome! Visit the Great Plains zoo at www.gpzoo.org or Sanford Children's Hospital at www.sanfordhealth.org.

The Great Plains zoo has many wonderful animals on display and an interactive children's zoo that includes Jacob Sheep and a Belted Galloway Heifer that came from Maveric. Check them out if you are in the area.

Group photo of my wonderful friends from Great Plains Zoo.

Journal Dec 8 part 2

2008-12-09T23:30:00.005-06:00

Its nearly midnight and I am still not able to sleep. I check emails for a little inspiration. I opened the following email, and am almost ashamed for feeling so sorry for myself today. I have been crying since reading it. Thank you Cerulleal, for having so much faith in me, and reminding me to have some in myself.

Today, I found out about your overwhelming tragedy.Though there are no words to cover even the most infinitesimal portion of your loss, know my heart beats out Song that says... that says everything for which the human languages are so inadequate.

About three years ago, I, too, stood in a place of unexpected, overwhelming grief and unexpected, overwhelming gratitude.There's no explaining it. No communicating it.No anything except determining to hold some part of this greatness in one's heart until breath leaves the body.

This walloping dichotomy changes everything and nothing, a fitting oxymoron for the contradictory nature of Nature.This Grief-and-Gratitude has the ability to galvanize the most beautiful parts of yourself,to draw up and forward those nascent strengths you may not even have been aware you possessed.Your colossal heart, whose strength is evidenced by the very work you do,by the difficult and honorable ways you choose to perform your work,will somehow grow even greater,stronger and softer, all at the same time.You will be able to empathize with others' tragedies with a depth heretofore unknown.

Your promise to your friends, your family, that their deaths will not have been in vain, is in no danger of being broken.Every bit of joy you shared with them will fuse itself into your cells.Every bit of love you showed them will return to you from unexpected places,allowing you to continue loving others with renewed vigor and revelry.Your life will be edged with the deep blue of their loss, and quilted with the bright clear blue of elation that comes from having been able to share your life with them at all.We are, each of us, so incredibly fortunate to walk with love and beauty from time to time.You (and we through you) are so fortunate to have been able to help raise so many beautiful families,to have taken a hand in undoing some of the destruction we humans have visited upon our beautiful planet.

Thank you so much for persevering in the honorable and necessary work you have chosen.

Thank you for being so brave when your heart is breaking.

Thank you for being strong enough to show people how to help when they want so desperately to help, when they sometimes don't know where to start.

Thank you for writing all this out, for keeping those of us informed who are too far away and stretched too thin to offer anything but our most vehement love and encouragement toward your succor.

Thank you for opening your eyes every morning.

Thank you for continuing to draw breath.

Thank you for dragging yourself out of bed every day, even if it's the last thing you want to do.

Thank you for taking such good care of your precious tenants.

Thank you so much for raising yourself up to be a Real Human.

Thank you for recognizing that a broken heart can heal.

Thank you for giving hope -Hope!- to so many.You truly are a gift.

Thank you.I love you.
Cerulleal
New Orleans, LA

Journal Dec 8

2008-12-09T23:05:00.003-06:00

I have not been in control of my emotions all day, spending about half the day crying, the other being really angry. OK, pissed off. Our insurance company has been less than accommodating, agreeable or even helpful. To date, we have had nothing but hassles and no forthcoming payments for the barn. (We have not even begun to file a claim for the items in the barn).

We have lost 5 more pigs in the last four days. Although they have been treated since the fire, many are succumbing to the pneumonia brought on by the smoke inhalation and cold weather. I feel like this will never end.

We have maxed out our credit cards getting materials to close in the walk in shed. Donations to the Endangered Hog Foundation are being used to buy temporary shelters and much needed tools such as power cords, feed pans & hay. Our friends at Hawkeye Steel in Iowa have helped us enormously by offering many items we needed at dealer cost.

In spite of the enormous support we have been getting, I can't help but feel angry, unsettled and a whole bag of other emotions. People tell me this is normal under the circumstances. I don't even know what normal is at this point. I've never had any experience like this, so have no baseline for comparison.

All I know is that I have never felt so helpless and hopeless in my life as when I had to stand in front of my barn, watching it burn with my babies trapped inside. I can't help but replay it and blame myself, sure I could have done something different.

Intellectually, I know I did what I could, and that this isn't anyone's fault, but my heart feels otherwise. Time is the only hope I have of recovering from this. And I think it will take a long time.....

What People Come Up With!

2008-12-08T20:21:00.002-06:00

Well, people never cease to amaze me. Over the past two weeks, people I hardly know have come up with really creative ways to be of help. I'd like to share some of these with you.

Jacqueline C., a chef & food freelance writer has posted information about the fire on several web pages, including her own, encouraging people to help out. To see her posts check out:

http://jacquelinechurch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1616:devastating-fire-at-maveric-ranch-what-can-we-do&catid=43:ldg&Itemid=53/

http://www.homegrown.org/profile/JacquelineChurch/

In addition to helping us with press, Jacqueline has rallied her friends to donate their frequent flier miles to her, so that she can come and help out at the farm, and make sure we are properly fed! What a cool lady.

On the day of the fire, our electricians Mike & Jason from Dells Electric were here within hours to help. Jason toiled for two days in the frigid cold, splicing and wiring to get our power and well back on.

While Jason was working, I offered to help dig. I then realized that I lost all my shovels in the fire and could not help him. With tears in my eyes, I said, "I'm sorry, I can't help. I don't have a shovel", and walked away.

Later that evening, Jason returned to the farm, bearing two brand new shovels. He said, "I didn't want you to be without a shovel", and hugged me. What a touching gesture from a rugged but kindhearted man.

Jason wiring us up!

Pictures of Casper

2008-12-07T23:00:00.002-06:00

These are photos of my beloved stallion, Ratchets Ghost, aka Casper & "Pal". He was a gentle and kind horse, with beautiful blue eyes. Casper and I shared a bond that only a fellow horse lover can truly understand. He taught me what unconditional love is, and was a comfort to me always. My heart aches for him, to touch him, smell him, lie on his back.

I have never loved another creature like I love Casper. He was truly the most magical and magnificent horse to ever grace the earth with his presence.

Pictures: Casper's Blue Eyes, Looking On and taking a rest with my husband Bret.

2008-12-07T22:29:00.001-06:00

Many people have asked for additional pictures of the fire.

This is day two and the fire was still burning.

On Day three, it snowed, covering the remains of the barn & the contents.

This is the end of the new barn, which also caught fire. Thankfully, the Volunteer Fire Department of Trent, South Dakota had arrived in time to save it.

Journal Dec 5

2008-12-06T00:05:00.002-06:00

I've managed to get through the day by focusing on the planning meeting with WORC, Western Organizations Resource Council. This is an amazing group of member organizations who work for renewable energy, local foods, Trade policy, reclamation of land after coal mining, Livestock and agriculture policy, opposing genetically modified seed, and much more. It is an honor to work with the powerhouses in this organization, and an inspiration that people working together can make a difference.

I had a great conversation with a 68 year old woman who has been ranching in NE Wyoming since she was 23 years old. Her advice to me is to do what I love, because that is what I'll be best at. What great advice.

I love raising rare breeds, promoting biodiversity, local foods and being with family farmers. So, that's what I'll keep doing.

Gratitude

2008-12-04T22:30:00.002-06:00

This was written by Rhonda Byrne, creator of The Secret and distributed on Thanksgiving Day. Through the fire and subsequent influx of support from all points on the globe, I truly understand the power of gratitude. And I want to say Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

"The greatest thief of human happiness and abundance is ungratefulness. Any lack in our lives - whether in money, health, or relationships - is simply the evidence of a lack of gratitude. If you focus on lack you are not being grateful, and that will bring more lack into your life. Yet the simple state of radiating gratitude summons everything to you.

No matter who you are or where you are, you can change your life with gratitude, but you must feel it with your whole heart and radiate it from every cell. Gratitude is not a mental exercise, and in fact, if you simply use your mind for gratitude it will have little or no power. True gratitude comes from your heart! You must think gratitude through your heart, speak gratitude through your heart, and feel it intensely in your heart.

Then practice gratitude relentlessly. As you practice gratitude you will attract more thoughts and feelings of gratitude. In a short time your entire being will be saturated with it, and you will experience a happiness that is beyond what you can imagine. This is what is ahead for you when you choose gratitude as your way of life. And if you can really live in this highest state of gratitude, you will never have to ask for anything. Everything you want will be given to you before you even ask, because gratitude is the magnetic substance that opens every single door in the Universe."

Friends help in the Most Amazing Ways

2008-12-04T16:45:00.000-06:00

Check out what our friends, old and new are doing to spread the word and save Endangered Hogs! Thank you so much!!

http://culinary-colorado.blogspot.com/2008/12/heritage-pig-farm-destroyed-by-fire.html

Poem from a Horse

2008-12-04T16:20:00.002-06:00

My friend, Sarah at Hobby Farms, knows the pain of losing a horse so dearly loved. She sent along this poem to bring me comfort. Thank you Sarah.

My Loving Human, do not cry
For I am galloping across the sky

My pain has left and now I’m free
The strength of youth, returned
You will feel my mane within the breeze
I’m in the fields for which I’ve yearned

I have not left you, precious friend
I am everywhere you go
Our time together will not end
Look for me and you will know

You will hear my hooves in thunder’s roll
My sweet smell in springtime’s grass
The deepest forests hold my soul
And the clouds scatter when I pass

I am watching you from up above
And we’ll meet again some day
I thank you for your selfless love
And I am never far away

And after time I’ll send to you
New creatures who need your care
But for now just keep me in your heart
And feel me everywhere

My loving human, do not cry
For I am galloping across the sky

Inspiration for the Day

2008-12-03T21:32:00.000-06:00

If life knocks you down, land on your back. If you can look up, you can get up.

~Les Brown

Journal Dec 3

2008-12-03T20:06:00.000-06:00

Today was all about the grunt work, moving feed, moving pigs, mucking pens. It is bitter cold here and we had a few inches of snow overnight. The pigs don't seem to mind too much, though I would be happier if they were snug and cozy indoors.

Although the grief has had a strangle hold on me, the depression is turning to anger. Angry at the situation, the insurance company, etc.

Throughout the day, my voice has diminished to the point of complete laryngitis. From a spiritual standpoint, I almost find humor in this. Since my friends at Slow Food have taken up the cause and are speaking for me, I don't really need a voice right now. Apparently my lesson today is to Let Go and Let Slow.....

Journal Dec 2 pt2

2008-12-03T15:01:00.000-06:00

Please visit our web page at www.maveric9.com for the most recent photos of the fire and the cleanup.

Journal Dec 2

2008-12-03T10:01:00.000-06:00

A man I've only met once has driven over from Minnesota to help out. We spend the afternoon shoveling ash and picking through the rubble, talk about pigs, farming in the old days and what the future might hold. He's been farming nearly all of his 60 years and has a lot of proof that adversity can be overcome. Thank you Doug.

The electricians are here again, trying to get us power in the places we need it most. Without the main barn, we've had to set up temporary poles with outlet boxes in order to accommodate the tank heaters. Winter is surely here, and were are sorely in need of more shelter, waterers and feed.

Many Slow Food Chapters are planning dinners and fund raising events featuring pork from our rare breeds. Check with your local chapter to see what they are planning, or feel free to organize an event of your own. You can check them out at SlowfoodUSA.org.

My friends at Chef's Collaborative have been spreading the word about the fire and the work that we do with the pigs. Thank you Robin & crew!

Help is coming from many places, whether it be a touching letter from the UK, a $10 donation from a retired person, encouraging phone calls and people just showing up to lighten the burden of the cleanup. A touching letter from the Bishop of the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese made our day. I am so thankful, it takes my breath away, and brings tears to my eyes.

What an incredible journey this is for us. I am amazed at people's kindness and creative ways to be of help, if only we ask. We are not alone, all we need to do is reach out. This is a good lesson for us. Living so rural, we often do feel alone. But, we have discovered that 30 or even 300 miles is not a big distance to travel to help a farmer in need.

We feel like we have gained an enormous number of friends through this tragedy.

The pigs are doing much better, and we have not lost any more since Monday. I hope we are done with the loss. My grief continues over my horse and cats, as they were such good companions and friends. I struggle with the purpose of events like this, but am holding faith that this tragedy will help others in the future.

Animal Welfare Institute Lends a Helping Hand

2008-12-03T01:05:00.001-06:00

The Animal Welfare Institute, an organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals and certifies farms that raise animals in a humane way, has made a generous contribution to the Endangered Hog Foundation.

The folks at AWI have been in contact since the day of the fire, and offered support in all forms, including helping source feed, legal advice and financial donations. They have been a great comfort through all of this.

They have also included us on their blog page at http://www.animalwelfareapproved.org/blog/.

For fellow farmers who raise their animals in a natural and humane way, I recommend that you seek certification from AWI. People who want to know where their food comes from and how it was raised will be more interested in your products. And you will become part of a family of giving, caring, animal loving people.

Thanks AWI!

Journal Dec 1

2008-12-03T00:29:00.000-06:00

I am surprised by a visit from my friend Jay from the Great Plains Zoo. He has arrived with a load of alfalfa hay, lots of encouraging words and offers of help. He has enlisted the keepers at the zoo to help us with the cleanup and rebuilding.

The kindness and support of people we hardly know is so inspiring and this helps me to get through the day.

I have been receiving the most glorious emails from people all over the world, encouraging us to keep going, and reminding us of our past accomplishments. The most touching has been from a family who lost their barn, animals and home in a fire less than two years ago. Not only did they have words of faith and encouragement, they had practical advise for getting us through this mess. What a blessing. Thank you David.

Journal Nov 30

2008-12-03T00:21:00.000-06:00

I do my best to get through the day. I am filled with saddness and worry that Bret will return to work tomorrow, and I will be here alone most of the day. Alone to deal with my feelings and the ongoing cleanup.

We decide to take the afternoon off and go to lunch. It is a break sorely needed.

Journal Nov 29

2008-12-03T00:19:00.000-06:00

Saturday, Nov. 29

Our contractor and friend Andy has arrived to help build doors for the barn. The metal salvage specialist, John, has been working for two days to cut up and sort the remains of our bale elevators, equipment, barn siding and other bits of wire and melted metal items. All total, three trailer loads of metal will be recycled. We feel better knowing it will not go in to a landfill.

We quit work early, both too exhausted and sore to go on. I spend several hours on the internet, ready the dozens of emails that have come since announcing the fire. Every letter is more inspiring than the last. I am again filled with gratitude at people’s generosity, kind words, and reminders of why we set out to save endangered pigs. I head to bed filled with hope that our friends old and new will carry us through this, and that good for the pigs will come of this. Good for us has already come, as our faith in others is renewed every time we open our mail or answer our phone.

Journal Nov 28

2008-12-03T00:18:00.000-06:00

Friday, Nov. 28

Bret, Josh & Dennis work furiously on the walk in shed, getting more siding and windows installed. It is starting to look like a barn, and should provide ample shelter for the now displaced pigs. It is about half done, and it symbolizes the power of friendship and faith. Kelly and I spend the afternoon sorting and moving pigs into less crowded pens.

My family at the Animal Welfare Institute are helping me to source alfalfa hay to replace what was lost in the fire. Again, I am amazed at the creative ways in which people find to help out fellow farmers in need.

I tearfully say goodbye to our friends from Kansas, so sad they are leaving, but so grateful they have come to be with us.

Journal Nov 27

2008-12-03T00:16:00.000-06:00

Thursday, Nov. 27

I have food ready to bake, and await the arrival of our friends Josh, Kelly & Jake from Kansas. They are driving 6 hours just to spend the day with us and help where they can. Having them here with us brings joy to the day, a feeling we have not experienced since the fire.

We are comforted by their presence and encouraged to do as much as we can to continue our work with endangered pigs. Since they also raise endangered pigs, they are completely qualified to remind us that we are savings these pigs for the next generation.

We over-ate in typical Thanksgiving style, and offered a prayer of thanks for what we have-friends, an opportunity to carry on and hope.

Journal Nov 26

2008-12-03T00:12:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Another sleepless night has further pushed me into exhaustion, making it difficult to fight the depression now riding on my back. I answer many phone calls and continue to update our friends.

We are interviewed by our local paper, the Argus Leader, about the tragedy. They have done feature stories on our preservation work over the years, and we were featured New Years Day 2008, as a litter of Mulefoot piglets were the first babies born on the New Year!

We talk of our plans to build a green, sustainable barn that is fireproof. We also talk of the need to save rare breeds, and what they mean to the future. (For the whole article, see http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008811290326).

We cannot separate our personal lives from the work we do, as we are the work we do. Saving rare breed pigs is our mission, and one we feel honored to have. We must go on, for ourselves and for future generations.

We have completed our investigation with the fire marshall and are now dealing with the insurance coverage issues. We estimate the damage to be in excess of $200,000. Our insurance will cover about 25% of the loss. We have much to do and think about.

Journal Nov 25

2008-12-03T00:10:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Today I had to go to the bank to get an account set up for the Endangered Hog Foundation. Returning home caused me to have a complete meltdown. This was the first time I had actually come up the drive and seen the devastation the fire had caused. The pen that normally housed my horse was still intact, dumpsters were parked everywhere, and debris was piled where the barn once stood. The shock of seeing it for the first time was more than I could bear.

I spent the rest of day moving back and forth between tears and anger.

Journal Nov 24

2008-12-03T00:07:00.000-06:00

Monday, Nov. 24

I have finally written a letter to let people know what has happened and get it to our web page manager. This is the toughest letter I’ve ever written. We have now gone public with the tragedy. Somehow the letter is comforting to me though, as I no longer have to actually talk about what has happened, it is being told en mass through the internet.

I welcome an offer of company for Thanksgiving, hoping it will distract me from the pain of the past five days.

Through my Slow Food family, I am encouraged to set up a fund to accept donations and help from people who believe in our mission to save endangered pigs. The folks at Slow Food have already mobilized to do some fund raising events to help get the Endangered Hog Foundation up and running. This further inspires me to go on.

Progress is slow and we are still spending time nursing pigs that were burned or suffered smoke inhalation. We have lost two more today, but continue to treat the others as best as we can.

Journal Nov 23

2008-12-03T00:03:00.000-06:00

Sunday Nov. 23

More friends show up today to help put walls up on our walk in shed, creating an indoor shelter for the pigs. Others help pick up debris & nails and help to set up watering tanks to replace the ones that had melted during the fire. Many of the pig pens are a mix of males, females and various breeds now, as we just opened the gates and ran everyone as far from the barn as we could. We will begin sorting them tomorrow, once we have a few more pens put together. The weather has been kind to us and much progress has been made.

The shock is wearing off, but still sleep will not come, and I spend most of the night crying for the loss of my animals and wondering what I could have done differently.

I vow to those who were lost that they will not have died in vain. Their sacrifice will help the future generations and bring more awareness to the work that must be done to save these precious breeds.

Journal Nov 22

2008-12-02T23:55:00.000-06:00

Saturday, Nov. 22

Neither of us have slept much since Wednesday, but we force ourselves to get up and take care of our remaining animals. Today will be a busy day, as many volunteers will be here bright and early to help start the cleanup.

I do my best to hold my emotions, but have many moments of tears punctuated with nausea. The remains of our animals lost in the fire are being removed, and people comb through the ashes to retrieve any pieces of metal that were not melted beyond recognition. All of these “bits” will serve as evidence of what was in the barn. As I sift through the remains of our tack locker, there are tiny pieces of saddles, bridles, halters and other horse equipment melted together or twisted into nearly unrecognizable shapes. I am overcome with grief at the loss of my beloved horse, Casper. He was my best friend and the kindest creature to ever walk on four hooves.

While trying to hold myself steady, I muttered that 100 years of history and the past ten years of my life’s work were lying here in the ashes. My friend Kim put her hand on my shoulder and said “That’s what you see when you look down. Now look up.”

When I raised my eyes, I could see before me nearly 20 people who had come to shovel up ashes, help put up temporary shelter for the pigs and be with us in our hour of need. It took my breath away. I was overcome with gratitude.

Students from SDSU Brookings, whom I’d only met once were there, the staff and Board members of Dakota Rural Action, former co-workers, neighbors and friends. All were busy doing any project they could to help out. They all came bearing food and gifts of shovels, tools, wheel barrows, but mostly their support. We are truly blessed to have such an incredible number of friends.

Thank you Alexis, Jose, Frank, Kim, Brandon, Jon, Darrin, Dennis, David, Heidi Ku, Wyatt, Amanda, Nick, Jacob, Andy, Dottie, Brian, Bill, Conrad, Josh, George, Angie, Heidi, John, Chris & Dan.

Journal Nov 21

2008-12-02T23:53:00.001-06:00

Friday, Nov. 21

It has been a few days since the fire, and I am forced to deal with the practical issues of this disaster such as insurance coverage, arranging a dumpster to manage the debris, making a list of emergency supplies and making phone calls to people who should know what has happened. These urgent issues distract me throughout the day and help me to manage the grief, shock and looming depression.

Many people have offered to come to the farm and help with the cleanup and whatever they can do to try to ease our pain. I am overwhelmed with people’s kindness and willingness to help.

I’ve also received calls from many people offering words of encouragement and support and offers of practical help such as taking some of our animals to their farms until we can get back up and running. I am told by people from Slow Food USA, Animal Welfare Institute & Dakota Rural Action that I am their family and they are standing in support of us. Again, I am overwhelmed.

The fire would be the perfect excuse to up and quit. Yet, as I receive so much support to go on, I can’t even imagine doing anything else but rebuild. So, that is what we will do.

Updates and Progress

2008-12-02T23:52:00.000-06:00

This blog will track the progress we are making in cleanup, rebuilding and continuing our work with endangered hog breeds.

Fire at Maveric Heritage Ranch

2008-12-02T23:49:00.000-06:00

Dear Friends of Maveric:

It is with the deepest and most profound grief that I write this message. At 5:30am November 19th, 2008, we awoke to our beautiful 100 year old gambrel barn engulfed in flames. Trapped within the barn was my beloved stallion, several rare Mulefoot hog sows with their litters of piglets, an extremely rare Wessex saddleback boar, a favorite guinea hog boar and all of my dearly loved cats. Although we made attempts to rescue our animals, we were unable to save any from the barn.

We were able to run pigs from their pens near the barn to the pastures and get them away from the heat & flames. Many animals in these pens were burned and have suffered smoke inhalation. Though it is several days after the fire, we are still losing animals we have been nursing and trying to save.

The fire burned with such intensity that it caught a large tree and our new barn on fire as well. The firemen were able to save our new barn, but our gambrel was a complete loss. The fire marshal reported that the fire was burning in excess of 2000 degrees due to the way the metal items in the barn melted and puddled. The fire was apparently caused by a failure in the main power breaker. When the power transformer began to melt, we lost power to the whole farm. This also left us without water, as our well is pumped by electricity.

All of our feed (approximately 1000 bales of alfalfa), our tools, watering troughs & feeders, buckets, piglet pens, fencing supplies, power cords, winter heaters, saddles & horse gear, construction materials for our new barn and so much more were completely destroyed.

We cannot replace our rare breed pigs. They simply do not exist. Our work for nearly ten years has been to preserve and save these breeds of pigs. We cannot begin to express our sense of loss over these animals, not just from our lives, but from all future generations.

This tragedy has made it even more clear to us that these rare breeds are in a very precarious situation. At any moment, a disaster, accident or disease could take yet another species from this planet.

Our friends have already begun to rally around us and offer support. We have received many calls and emails from the folks at Slow Food USA, Animal Welfare Institute and Dakota Rural Action. Because of this outpouring of encouragement, we feel compelled to persevere and insure that future generations are able to raise and enjoy these breeds, and that biodiversity amongst pigs is preserved.

The Endangered Hog Foundation has been established to help us rebuild and to help continue work with endangered pig breeds. We fully intend to carry on with our DNA research, breeding program, establishing new breeders and promotion of endangered pigs. We have already begun the process of cleaning up the debris and will begin construction of a facility to continue working with our pigs as soon as spring arrives in South Dakota. Temporary measures to provide for the pigs during the upcoming winter are underway.

We need your help. Our immediate needs are for physical labor to help with clean up and building temporary shelter to winter the pigs. Additionally, we need to find a source for alfalfa hay square bales, to obtain portable shelters for the pigs due to farrow in early 2009, hog equipment and hand tools.

Donations can be sent to the “Endangered Hog Foundation” in care of Maveric Heritage Ranch Co. at the address below or through the link on our web page at www.maveric9.com.

Thank you to everyone who has offered support. I cannot describe how it feels to stand in a place of profound grief and intense gratitude at the same time. We will carry on through the love and support of our friends.

Endangered Hog Foundation
Maveric Heritage Ranch Co.
47869-242nd St.
Dell Rapids, South Dakota 57022