All I have ever heard about pig farms is that you don't want to be downwind of one! That is absolutely true! Fortunately we weren't immediately met with the smell but were greeted by Chris Gould who was pleasant and informative. His parents Eldon and Sandy were there to answer questions and give, often times humorous, anecdotes about farm life. His sister, who is a vet, was also there to help support the information. The Gould's were well spoken and intelligent. We spent a good hour in their office listening to the history of the farm and learning facts about everything from pig breeding and reproduction to how often and what the pigs are fed. I can honestly say I learned a considerable amount of information about pigs. It is obvious that the Gould family cares about their farm and their animals. Read more...
Illinois Farm Families Blog
Pigs, Pigs, and More Pigs.....the Gould's Pork Farm
Field Mom Amy Rossi’s impressions on farms and food
The Martz family’s beef cattle, soybean, corn and wheat farm
My first impression of the Martz’s farm was that it was clean. Clean in the way that makes you think someone cares about it. As we were welcomed into their “business” office, I felt like things would feel official. It was anything but official. They were all very well-spoken, articulate, and passionate. We were able to ask questions and they gave answers that were honest and thought provoking.
Throughout the whole day we could ask anything about everything. I especially liked Mike's saying “we do 100 things 1% better not 1 thing 100% better.” I believe that was not only their mantra for the farm, but the way they lived their lives. I learned many new things that day at their farm; seed selection, ground prep, how the combine works (though not really!), how they ultrasound cows to gain more information, how much moisture is allowed in their corn, their use of Texas wasps to combat flies, and the list is endless!
Read more...1