RESTED PASTURES, HAPPY PIGS: CARING OUR RESIDENTS AND THE LAND

by Kevin Weil, Facilities Manager 

At Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, the health of our land is just as important as the well-being of the residents who call it home. That’s why we practice rotational grazing and give our pastures intentional periods of rest. Over the past month, we’ve allowed several pig pastures to rest completely—no grazing, no foot traffic—just time for the grass to recover, regrow, and replenish. 

And today, the wait was worth it. 

This morning, we opened the gates and gave our pigs access to their freshly rested pastures—and the joy was immediate. Ted and Pumpkin were the first to charge in, grunting with excitement and wagging their curly tails as they explored the lush, green field. Ted immediately started chomping on the fresh grass, while Pumpkin wasted no time rooting around in the soft, fresh earth. 

Resting pastures is a simple but powerful way to support sustainable pastures. It gives the soil a break, allows grasses to regrow naturally, and helps prevent overgrazing. In just one month, we saw significant improvement in ground cover and plant health, which not only benefits the pigs now, but will also ensure long-term vitality of the land. 

At the heart of sanctuary life is a commitment to both compassion and conservation—and today was a beautiful reminder that a little patience goes a long way. 

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our supporters. Your generosity makes it possible for us to care not only for the animals, but also for the land that sustains them. Because of you, Ted, Pumpkin, and all their friends have a beautiful, nourishing space to thrive. We’re so grateful to have you on this journey with us.