Ask Me Anything with Farmer Terry

People often ask what the hardest job is around here.

Most expect me to say fixing fences, hauling hay, or caring for animals through Wisconsin winters.

Truthfully?

The hardest job is earning an animal's trust.

You can't rush it, force it, or buy it.

You simply show up.

Day after day.

Eventually, they decide you're safe.

That's one of my favorite parts of sanctuary life—watching an animal that once ran away choose to walk toward you instead.

We celebrate those quiet victories. A shy cat sits beside your boots. A nervous steer finally accepts a scratch behind the ears. A pig discovers belly rubs aren't so bad after all.

Those little moments remind me that healing is usually quiet.

The animals have taught me patience, but more importantly, they've taught me to be present. They don't care about tomorrow's to-do list.

They simply ask us to show up today.

Turns out, that's a pretty good way to live.

Have a question for Farmer Terry? Leave it below, and maybe we'll answer it in next month's Ask Me Anything from the Pasture.