If you asked me a few years ago if I could ever see myself as a Vegan, I would laugh, make an excuse, and say no – until 2023.

Veganism was something that would pop into my mind periodically any time I saw a video about animal neglect, abuse, and torture, but I would typically avert my eyes or keep scrolling to avoid seeing what happens to the animals that humans often treat poorly in the animal agriculture industry so that I wouldn’t allow the guilt to bother me, but a little bit would linger.

Thankfully my open-mindedness and her [Lauren’s] lifestyle began to open more doors and more enlightenment for me…

If we fast-forward to August of 2023 (by now I have learned a lot about all the good that can come from being Vegan and all the burdens that come with knowing the immoral and unfair things that happen to our animal- friends), Lauren and I dabbled with the idea of visiting an animal sanctuary if there was one nearby. That is when we stumbled upon JP Farm Animal Sanctuary. Excitingly, I reached out so that I could try to visit ‘JP’ and soon after Britt got back to me and we arranged a visit.

“Please, visit the sanctuary when you can and you will not regret it.”

With compassion,
Brandon

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Over seven years ago Oscar and I started to create a plan on how to rescue and care for farmed animals. We found land in the beautiful hills of Litchfield and knew it was the perfect spot to provide a home for animals in need.

Since 2019 we have rescued and been able to give a home to over 40 residents.

Our plan was to create a space where people could connect to farmed animals, educate on factory farming and to provide resources to inspire people to change to a plant based diet.

Since 2019 we have rescued and been able to give a home to over 40 residents. Most of them we are honored to still care for while others have lived their lives as long as their bodies could handle.

We are a micro-sanctuary full of hope

We have met so many wonderful and kind people who have supported our mission as we settled in. And as we all know nothing is perfect, so after being here for a short period we encountered many obstacles, COVID-19 being the most prevalent. But we continued to build housing and fencing for our wonderful residents and work on rescue missions. We are grateful that we can take care of all the sentient beings at JP and so appreciative of our Community and work with other Sanctuaries! Without all of our supporters, caregivers and family, we know we could not have done it alone.

We have been able to rescue and provide housing for many beautiful beings, some from the dairy industry, some from the meat industry but all would have eventually gone to slaughter. We are a micro-sanctuary full of hope and have a strong commitment to bring about change for animal welfare and hope to inspire others.

My heart breaks every time I think about the billions of animals that are horribly treated as commodities. Our mission is to continue to educate and help those interested in making a difference for animals. Our “visitor events” have shown that interaction with the residents can change hearts.

So today we celebrate life for all the beings that have no voice and for those who are stepping up to help make effective change for farmed animals!

Your donation will be matched up to $5,000. We would love to meet and surpass this goal as we have more medicine, fencing, building and hay bills not to mention the continued inflation of the cost of goods and maintenance.

You can donate through this fundraiser link: https://givebutter.com/JP5 or any method here: linktree.com/jpfarmanimalsanctuary
Every dollar helps so much to care for the resident animals of JP!

Thank you for being our partner to inspire compassionate living.
With kindness, joy and peace,
Lynn and the JP Family ❤️ ☮️

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As we navigate the festive season, let’s pause and reflect on the wishes of those who often go unheard—residents of farm animal sanctuaries and individuals facing human challenges. This message explores the silent desires of sanctuary animals for a life free from suffering, alongside acknowledging the parallel reality of human crisis situations. In the midst of holiday celebrations, let’s foster a spirit of compassion that transcends species and addresses the needs of both animals and people.

Allie connecting with a JP visitor.

Within the serene landscapes of farm animal sanctuaries, each resident carries a wish during the holiday season. These beings, survivors of animal agriculture, religious rituals and or neglect, long for a life unmarred by suffering, where compassion reigns, and the promise of a brighter future becomes a reality. As we cherish our festive traditions, it would be wonderful to extend our empathy to these often-overlooked members of our global community.

Imagine the heartfelt wish of a rescued cow, like our resident Allie, her eyes reflecting the journey from the horrors of factory farming to the sanctuary’s embrace. Her wish extends beyond personal freedom; it is a yearning for her fellow bovines to experience the same liberation, to graze freely under open skies, and to feel the warmth of human caregivers. The sanctuary becomes a haven where these wishes are not just dreams but reachable expressions of hope.

DJ and Beanie smiling together.

In tandem with the sanctuary’s hopes, let’s also acknowledge the human crisis situations that persist globally. Whether it be natural disasters, conflict zones, or economic struggles, countless individuals are facing hardship and uncertainty. This holiday season, it would be so great to recognize the interconnectedness of all lives and strive to extend our compassion to both human and non-human beings.

Pigs, like our residents DJ and Beanie, with their intelligence and social nature, share in the sanctuary’s wishes for joy and freedom for pigs in the system. Having avoided the confines of industrial farming, they yearn for others to enjoy expansive spaces where they can root in the earth, bask in the sunlight, and revel in the simple joys of companionship. The sanctuary becomes a place where their wishes transform into moments of contentment, and where the cries of others may be eliminated by compassionate choices made by us.

Simultaneously, we can acknowledge the human crisis situations that unfold, where individuals are grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters or seeking refuge from conflict. In these times, a simple wish for stability, safety, and compassion prevails. By acknowledging these shared desires between human and non-human entities, we can build bridges of understanding and support.

Blanche enjoying sanctuary.

This holiday season, let’s recognize the oneness of our world—where the wishes of sanctuary animals and the challenges faced by individuals in crisis converge. As we gather with loved ones, let our celebrations be marked by a spirit of compassion that transcends species and borders. Supporting farm animal sanctuaries through compassionate food choices, donations and volunteer efforts can contribute to fulfilling the wishes of these resilient beings. At the same time, extending empathy and assistance to individuals in crisis can bring hope to those facing difficult circumstances.

With love and peace,
Britt & The JP Farm Animal Sanctuary Family

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Mother’s day is so special for us at JP.

We love to celebrate moms around the world and in every species. At the sanctuary we have 5 beautiful moms to honor: Mozza, our Duroc pig; Tallulah, our Scottish Highland cow; Allie, our Holstein cow; Copper our Jersey & Holstein mix and Lynn our ‘human mother’ to all of the fur and feathered residents at JP.

Allie sharing her motherly wisdom with Rudy the rooster.

All of these resident moms show us their love and compassion even though they never had the opportunity to nurture or to be with their own babies, the motherly instinct comes out to the rest of us through licks, kisses, snuggles, protective, and familial behavior. We can learn so much from how they care for eachother and the rest of the residents and certainly through Lynn’s dedicated caregiving to all the beings that call JP their home.

Copper adoring Ethan.

Would you like to support or sponsor these Moms for Mother’s Day? Please donate in any of the ways through our Website, PayPal, Venmo or Patreon in this link: linktree.com/jpfarmanimalsanctuary Together, with you, we hope to inspire compassionate living for the animals, our health and for our environment.

Tallulah accepting kisses from Ethan.

With loads of love for all moms,
Britt and the JP Family

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Did you know that our Earth Day tradition started in 1970 in a time without a Clean Air or Clean Water Act? The demonstration by twenty million Americans brought attention to the issue, and by December of that year the Environmental Protection Agency was born.

Allie & Copper are often together

Our current Earth Day challenges: As we are learning, the animal agriculture industry has a significant impact on climate change and global warming. According to the United Nations, the livestock sector contributes about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with beef and dairy production being the most significant contributors. This industry along with production of animal materials also uses a large amount of water, land, and other resources, which has further environmental implications such as the deforestation of the Amazon and all of its biodiversity.

The production and transportation of animal feed, the disposal of animal waste, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides for animal feed production also contribute to environmental degradation (thus the emission percentage is much higher, when combined).

Copper, at the dairy farm, before she came to JP

3 Facts regarding the connection between Animal Agriculture and Climate Change

1. 77% of the agricultural land on the planet is directly used for raising animals, while 23% is used for raising crops. Since half the crops are fed to animals, animal agriculture accounts for 86% of the agricultural land area of the planet.(1)
2. 7% of the ice-free land area of the planet provides 85% of the food we eat in the form of plant foods. Animal agriculture takes up 43% of the ice-free land area of the planet, while providing just 12% of the food we eat in the form of meat, dairy and eggs. The seafood we eat constitute the remaining 3%, for which we have been destroying the entire ocean. (2)
3. Each and every day, the methane that is emitted from animal agriculture causes more incremental planetary heating than the CO2 emitted from all fossil fuel sources combined. (3)

Suggested solutions:

To address this issue, we can take positive actions, such as reducing our consumption and or purchasing of any animal products, supporting plant-based agriculture, and promoting sustainable plant-based lifestyles. Switching to a plant-based diet or reducing animal product consumption can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources. *** Please note that different organizations’ measuring metrics vary thus the percentages quoted may not equate but all of their concern and emphasis on animal agriculture effects are similar.

Making connections:

One way to make a compassionate connection with animals while supporting these positive actions is by visiting a farm animal sanctuary, such as JP Farm Animal Sanctuary. At sanctuaries, visitors can interact with animals who have been rescued from the animal agriculture industry and witness the positive impact of providing them with a safe and loving home, experiencing that they are sentient beings who want to live just like us. Sanctuaries also often promote plant-based lifestyles, shopping local, highlighting non-animal products and overall education about animal agriculture and its impact on animal welfare, our health, and the environment.

Delicious plant-based foods. Ask us for recipes!

Together with encouragement:

When we contemplate the condition of our planet, we may feel helpless about our incapacity to effect positive change. Therefore, it is crucial to concentrate on what we have authority over, such as our food choices. By consuming food that aligns with our beliefs and promotes ecological responsibility, we become empowered. These small but significant dietary decisions accumulate over time, and together, we can create a significant impact.

Reach out to us to reserve your visit to JP and let’s continue the conversation. Supporting each other and inspiring compassionate living together makes positive change possible!

With love and care for the health of our earth and all beings,
Britt

References

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2013, Tackling climate change through livestock – A global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities, FAO, viewed 18 April 2023, http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3437e.pdf.
Steinfeld, H et al. 2006, Livestock’s long shadow: Environmental issues and options, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Lynch, H & Pierrehumbert, R 2019, ‘Climate impacts of cultured meat and beef cattle’, Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, vol. 3, p. 5.

1. Calculated from the land use breakdown on Page 4 of the UN IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land Use, 2019 and the biomass distribution on Page 836 of the UN IPCC AR5 WG3 Chapter 11.
2. Calculated from the biomass distribution on Page 836 of the UN IPCC AR5 WG3 Chapter 11.
3. Rao, S. K., “Animal Agriculture is the Leading Cause of Climate Change,” Journal of Ecological Society, Vol 32-33, 2021.

Cowspiracy, The Facts, Infographic.

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Each year on March 1st, sanctuaries and their supporters celebrate National Pig Day. This special day is an important reminder to challenge the misconceptions baked into our culture. Today, we explore the misunderstood nature of pigs, while celebrating their intelligent, emotive, and sentient lives.

Beanie and DJ often together

Scientific research indicates that pigs are among the smartest land animals. What does pig intelligence look like? Pigs possess cognitive abilities similar to dogs and young children, demonstrating self-awareness in mirrors, object and person discrimination, time perception, and memory/spatial learning.

Not only are pigs intelligent, they are curious, playful, and social creatures. Pigs form deep, life-long bonds with others, often transcending their own species. If you’re lucky enough to befriend a pig, they can pick you out of a crowd using sight, sound, smell, touch, and social cues.

Beanie and Dolphin when they were babies

Who runs the world? Girls! At home, pigs form matriarchal hierarchies. These dominant females are large and in charge, getting the best food and superior sleeping spots. In this socially complex pig society, individuals use over 20 unique vocalizations to communicate with one another.

Mozza!

Pigs are homesteaders, as well as explorers. Pigs create warm nests from straw or hay for themselves and loved ones. A comfy bedtime routine is crucial after thoroughly enjoying the day with play. Pigs are inventive in their playtime; engaging in mock fights and chasing with other pigs, or carrying and shaking objects like balls and sticks.

A common misconception in pigs is that they are filthy. Like you and me, pigs prefer to keep their eating and sleeping areas separate from their toilet. You may have also heard the phrase coined, “don’t eat like a pig”. Pigs root around for food with their snouts, foraging for a variety of goodies growing in their environment. Their diet mostly consists of greens, vegetables, and fruits. In reality, everyone should eat like a pig!

Pepper and Shirley snuggling

At JP Farm Animal Sanctuary, we champion pigs as bright individuals. The six pigs in our residence are ambassadors of their species, paying homage to pigs around the world who have never known a safe place. Beanie-Tofu and Dolphin were the first wiggley-tailed friends to call JP home. These girls were saved from going to a feedlot after being raised and trained in a college agriculture program. Their first parents (the students) highlight their distinct personalities as piglets: “Dolphin was always super energetic and friendly with a big personality” while Beanie’s advocate, and one of our original caregivers, shares, “I picked Beanie because she was the calmest one. All the other piglets would swarm you..”.

We challenge you today, and every day, to question the world around you. Negative stereotypes perpetuate cruel practices and everyday detachment. From personal research to meeting a pig firsthand, it is up to us to take a closer look at these lively farm animals. Come visit us this summer, and share a transformative experience of lulling a pig to sleep with a good belly rub!

Want to give back and become an animal advocate for National Pig Day? Meet some JP residents that would love to call you their sponsor. By symbolically adopting a pig, you are contributing to their care and right to safe spaces. Thank you for supporting our rescued pigs, through adoption or taking the time to truly understand their magnificence!

With love for pigs,
Ashley the caregiver

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