Soule: My Farm Is More About Love Than A Business

After 22 years raising cattle, you'd think I'd be unaffected by June, the friendly cow who walks over looking for scratches, or Tazzy, the grumpy mini-pig, grunting for dinner. But despite the years, the critters still pull on my heartstrings.

I melt when Owen B, a yearling Scottish Highland steer, regards me with those big eyes, and Curious Bleu, our riding steer, lets me sit on his back.

A farmer's life is not all fuzzy calves, funny pigs, and tolerant steers. Last year, two calves died, and I broke down sobbing each time. (I know this sounds weird, coming from the proprietor of a meat farm, but I can't help how I feel.)

Thankfully, no calves have died this year, and the weaned babies watch with anticipation when I deliver their feed twice a day. Then, after they finish munching, they'll bounce out into the paddock, kicking up their heels as they frolic and buck in youthful joy.

We have "angels" who help on the farm, like Jean Blodget, who feeds the critters when we need help. Jean, the "Queen of Water Games" at our farm camp, ensured the campers cooled off under the sprinklers after working with cattle. Jean, a farm friend, is unafraid to dive in and try new things. And then there's Cameron, who had been one of our summer campers and now volunteers to feed and brush the calves and do anything else that needs doing, including walking Cody the dog.

No matter how bad my day has been, my spirits soar when I walk up our farm road, autumn leaves crunching underfoot and sunlight, as if shining through stained-glass windows, filters through the leaves of trees arching over the road.

I'm enchanted by Eleanor the donkey, who keeps her pen-mates, the goats, sheep, and Tazzy in line. Eleanor is in charge, and they all want to follow if she leaves the pen. At feeding time, Eleanor brays until she gets our attention, demanding dinner for her pals.

Meet the Magical Farm Creatures

Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she raises and sells beef, pork, eggs, and other local products. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com. Carole is also now a certified Life Coach who helps humans and K-9s achieve the impossible a little at a time.