Farmer Allen updates the status of one of his cows using his Herd Book App, which he developed himself to record and track data for each member of his herd.

Mr. Foghorn is a Leghorn, and the gatekeeper at Prairie Fruits Farm.

A La Macha goat basks in the sun.

A playful kid.

At Prairie Fruits Farm, each goat is given a name and recognized by both appearance and personality. To help them stay cool during the hot midwestern summers, the goats receive regular haircuts.

A sow stays cool in a mud bath, which also serves as natural sunscreen.

Farmer James takes a moment to soothe a chicken prior to slaughter.

Young calves spend time together, playing and socializing like adolescents.

Chickens roam freely from pasture to coop.

A pig locks eyes with me, aware of my presence.

 A Gloucestershire Old Spot takes a dip on a hot summer day. These pigs are known for their gentle nature, and nap inside a trailer set up in their pasture. The trailer serves a dual purpose: offering shelter on hot days while also familiarizing the pigs with it before transportation to slaughter.

Baby pigs are allowed to nurse with their mother, and bond with their siblings.

Farmer James nuzzles his favorite lamb. When I asked if it’s tough not to grow attached, he responded “Sometimes it’s very hard.”

A lamb wanders freely through the tall prairie grass.

Cows grazing in synchronicity in open pasture.

To minimize stress, cows are transported either individually or in small groups.

A numbered sticker is placed on each cow as they arrive at the slaughter house. The facility is designed by Temple Grandin, a renown designer of humane livestock handling facilities.

End of the cycle. Organic, pasture raised humane cuts of meat.

A cow takes in the serenity of an early morning mist.