This picture was taken last spring, but today had the same delicious end. Two of our farm raised and farm processed hogs are in the freezer. The rain fell steadily, but we worked in the garage, dry and happy.
I get real satisfaction processing our meat. I was a butcher for many years. This job scratches and itch that digs at me. I take real joy in knowing that my animals were dispatched quickly and humanely. They are in my freezer, but never suffered one day from stress or mis-treatment.
I usually smoke our hams and bacons, but this batch went to a local processor for that job. I have some smoked sausage to make, but don’t have the time to take on this batch of hams and bacons.
In 2012 we are hoping to build a small, farm scale slaughterhouse. The building will have many amenities that we currently lack, one of which is a big, deep stainless steel sink. The kitchen sink catches heck when we clean everything up.
Today our daughter was here. One of the hogs was her’s. She wrapped and helped out as we turned the sides into cuts of pork. Tonight’s supper at her house was well received by her husband 😮
Our new little building will also have a small smokehouse. It will be just the right size for a few hams and bacons. The meat from two or three hogs can be all done at one time. Unlimited, high pressure, hot water with also be a welcome luxury, especially at clean up time!
I will dream about the building as I rub a full stomach. Our current conditions aren’t ideal, but they work very well. I also take a little pride in the money I save by doing it myself. … passing it all on to the next generation is just a bonus!

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