Finca del Pacuare is a multi-use
facility, primarily for bovine and equine husbandry, with about 70% of the land
in either pasture or pasture and mixed forest. The cattle raised are the local
variety of mixed Brahma, and horses are raised for work and pleasure.
Horses:
At Left is one of our current mares
and below, her father.
We generally have horses for sale on a
separate website that are viewable here,
including the two photos above.
Cattle:
Our primary product is cattle, selling
them both at the local Subastas (Auctions) and to interested individuals. When
uncertain of the current prices it is best to either sell the animals at the
Subasta or to make a couple of trips and learn the prices prior to selling. We
raise all female calves for breeding, changing bulls about every two years or
when a bull’s first born female calf is about a year old. All little bulls are
raised to between 300 and 400 pounds before they are sold.
One of the latest calves born on the farm in July, 2006, at left
and Guido feeding one or our earlier calves, below.
Below, bringing a small group of
little bulls to the corral for their weekly ration of salt.
Fruit:
There is usually a considerable amount
of usable fruit, which mostly grows naturally, and Christmas Trees are
cultivated in a small quantity for sale in late November and early December.
There are also some hardwoods that may be selectively harvested. These trees
have been generally protected by the current management, as they become rarer
with each passing season.
A couple of different groups of
Hawaiian bananas from the front yard.
Red Bananas that also grow in the yard
displayed by our trusty Guido!
At Right, above, is a Guanabana
growing from a tree near the house. Guayabo (Guava) also grows abundantly
throughout the finca and is a favorite of both the horses and cattle. A small
quantity of lemons is often available and limes are currently being nurtured.
We have a new growth of raspberries and have also planted blackberries. Cas
(Coast Rica Guava) is also available and excellent for fruit juice, being
somewhat more bitter than Guava for consumption.
Misc.:
An early view of some of our horses getting ready to be used.
In addition to the raising of stock
and consumable products Finca del Pacuare also has horses available for
pleasure riding and being at the edge of the forest is a prime location for
bird watching. There is usually someone available who will accompany our
visitors but we do not provide guides.