45: Raising Livestock The Ethical Way: Lessons On Life & Death On The Farm | Tara Couture

In this episode, we sit down with Tara Couture, author of Radiance of the Ordinary, to explore how her farming journey has reshaped her understanding of life, death, and what it means to live with reverence. From raising and harvesting animals with deep care to questioning industrial food systems, Tara speaks about the sacred responsibility of participating directly in the cycles that feed us. Rather than speaking of “healing,” she embraces the coexistence of joy and sorrow, and the quiet hope found in small, radiant moments. We also discuss writing as a clarifying practice, the limits of social media, and the importance of real human connection. Above all, this conversation is a reminder that beauty and meaning are often found in the most ordinary parts of life.

Tara's book: Radiance of the Ordinary

Timestamps

[2:40] Discovering Radiance of the Ordinary and returning to the land after a fractured childhood.

[7:20] From vegetarianism to sacred harvest: learning from a cattleman mentor and rethinking death.

[14:50] The moral weight of killing animals and the responsibility of humane, on-farm slaughter.

[20:45] Death as a teacher: how mortality deepens presence and gratitude for ordinary moments.

[24:00] Writing as clarity: Substack, storytelling, and resisting the noise of social media.

[39:30] Grief and the calves: losing a daughter and being gently tethered back to life.

[55:05] Industrial abattoirs, ethics of meat, and why participation matters.

[1:08:10] Beauty, craftsmanship, and creating spaces that feel alive and rooted in place.

[1:25:15] Homesteading online: comparison, illusion, and the cost of digital validation.

[1:47:30] Rapid fire Q&A

Sponsors

Real Organic Project: Get Involved. Get Certified. Join the movement to fight the co-opting of organic.

Felco: Get 10% off your next purchase with the code MARKET10.

Links/Resources

Market Gardener Institute: https://themarketgardener.com

Masterclass: https://themarketgardener.com/courses/the-market-gardener-masterclass

Newsletter: https://themarketgardener.com/newsletter

Blog: https://themarketgardener.com/blog

Books: https://themarketgardener.com/books

Growers & Co: https://growers.co

Heirloom: https://heirloom.ag/

The Old Mill: https://www.espaceoldmill.com/en/

Follow Us

Website: http://themarketgardener.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/marketgardenerinstitute

Instagram: http://instagram.com/themarketgardeners

Guest Social Media Links

Tara Couture:

Website: https://www.slowdownfarmstead.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slowdownfarmstead/?hl=en

Substack: https://www.slowdownfarmstead.com/

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier