Pig farm and cattle loading

Today we got to tour the pig farm where with my cousin Haylee, her husband Alex, and two of their adorable children.

First, we had to put on some special plastic boots to keep us clean and to keep the piggies safe.

The first one that Alex handed to Sy was too loud. This one didn't squeal as much.

We learned all about how the little piggies are fed and cared for in the nursery.

This black Chinese variety has very soft ears. 

It takes a little time for the pigs to get comfortable. In fact, when we first walked in they all ran and squealed, but eventually they will come and eat from your hand.

They have huge grain bins to keep the pigs well fed. Inside this door, above the truck, there is a machine that mixes in all the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep the pigs healthy.

This is the sow barn where pigs come after they reach 60 pounds. 

This one really wanted me to take his picture!

We had a great time and learned a lot - again! Farmers have an incredible role in our society. Each farm we have visited is growing food that we have always just gone to the grocery store and purchased without having any idea what goes on behind the scenes. We have been amazed at the incredible amount of knowledge necessary for successful farming. 

When we returned "home", we got one last lesson before we pulled out for the day. 

This cattle truck arrived to take the fattened cows to market. This trailer can carry up to 100,000 pounds! 41 head of cattle on two levels!

Ky tried out the cattle ramp. 

Here are the cows lining up to get in. It looks easy, but there was a lot of preparation to make this loading run smoothly!

Off goes the truck. (With our camper in the background.)

We pulled out moments later leaving behind one very happy helper. For a week, Jo will enjoy farm life with extended family while we head home.  We plan to pick him up next Tuesday. While we're gone, he'll have some adventures all his own.