This morning we visited the farm La Maria where they run 1,300 head of cattle in pastures. it is managed by Raul Fossati. Mr Fossati is a partner in a company called Bikura S.A. This company own 13 different farms in Argentina. la Maria is used to background calves that will go into the feedlot. They have about 900 head of calves that are currently being backgrounded there. The calves are on pasture that has alfalfa planted into it but also some grass and other plants for a feed source. They gain about half a kilo/day, or approximately1.1 pounds/day. The company also owns the feedlot that these calves will go to when they are done backgrounding them, and it is called Don Pancho. This year the country has been quite dry, so the grass pastures where looking pretty tough. Due to the lack insufficient feed, the calves will be shipped to Don Pancho Feedlot a month earlier than they normally are.one interesting fact about the calves fed in Argentina is that 85 percent of them will be harvested and the meat sold internally within the country of Argentina to businesses and consumers here. That leaves a small portion left for exporting but exporting beef is very hard in Argentina due to government regulations and restrictions. That is why it is why such a small portion of the beef market. Also on La Maria, they run 400 head of two year old bred heifers. These heifers are replacement to be brought into their cowherd. They have approximately 1,00 hectares, or almost 2500 acres on La Maria to graze. One last thing, Mr Fossati and his gaucho Pedro allowed unto ride their horses before we left the farm. Most of us hopped on and rode the horses around the yard. They had the traditional Argentine saddle which is much different than the American saddles.
We had a struggle finding a place to eat lunch after leaving the farm at 2 pm. In Santa Rosa, the businesses shut down in the heat of the day for at least 3 hours and the time we hit town all the restaurants were closing. Also with New Years eve day many businesses where closing early. So with that being said it was difficult to find lunch. We were able to talk with our hotel manager and arrange to have some food delivered. We had Empanadas a very traditional South American food that is like a calzone or pizza pocket. So for lunch we had beef, chicken, and ham and cheese Empanadas. They were very delicious!!Now we are going to take a "siesta" after two long days on the road and to be able to celebrate New Years Eve Argentina style. Mr Fossati has invited our group to his house for supper and a New Years Eve Party.
Written by Justin Vanneman
Raul Fossati (left) and Ty Littau (right) visiting with the students about La Maria farm. Ty spent 6 months working with Raul at his feedlot operation Don Poncho which the students visited a couple of days later. We were lucky to have Ty join us on the trip to also serve as are translator and travel assistant.
A drought stressed pasture with yearlings at La Maria.
Discussing water management strategies with Raul, the manager of La Maria
