From Farm to Table: Can You Really Process Your Own Food?

Could You Process Your Own Food If You Had To?

In today’s world, food is everywhere. Grocery stores sit on nearly every corner—Food Lion, Walmart, Kroger, Aldi—you name it. For most of us, feeding our families is as simple as hopping in the car and grabbing what we need.

But let me ask you a question:
If you had to, could you process your own food?

It’s a tough question—one that many homesteaders and farmers face every single day. For us, the answer is yes. We’ve done it before, and we plan to keep doing it. Over the years, we’ve processed chickens by the hundreds, rabbits, quail, and even a pig.

Now, let’s be honest: Is it cost-effective? Absolutely not. Raising and processing your own chickens costs far more than walking into Food Lion and buying a whole chicken for $9. So why do it?

Because it’s not about saving money. It’s about knowing where your food came from, how it was raised, and what it was fed. It’s about taking responsibility for what nourishes your family.

Raising and processing your own food teaches lessons no school book ever could. It teaches gratitude, respect, and the reality of life and death in a way that changes you forever.

The Hardest Day We’ve Faced

The last time we processed a pig was one of the most emotional days our family has ever experienced. Our kids raised that pig from six weeks old until his last day. They fed him, cared for him, and loved him.

We taught them the importance of kindness and respect for the animal. The week leading up to processing, we prayed and thanked him for what he would provide.

His final moments? He was surrounded by the people who loved him most. Did we cry? Yes—we bawled for hours. But in the end, we raised him for food, and we honored that responsibility.

Why Everyone Should Do This At Least Once

I truly believe that everyone—and I do mean everyone—should raise and process their own food at least once in their life. It will give you a new perspective on life, on food, and on the value of what’s on your plate.

We plan to raise more meat chickens, turkeys, and probably rabbits in the future. And yes, I’ll write another blog diving deeper into the entire processing experience—what it takes, what it teaches, and why it matters.

So, I’ll ask again:
Could you process your own food if you needed to?