Animal Husbandry
Cow/Steer
$500
A cow represents a long-term investment for the rural family. It takes planning, pasture, and thoughtful care. Most poor, rural families eat only corn and beans. A cow provides milk and other products, and a source of pride that they can count on for the future.
Item #A01
In the past, Don Pedro -- like most rural Nicaraguan farmers -- only knew how to provide for his family by renting land and working long hours for very little pay. Their lives changed forever when, five years ago, Don Pedro and his family were selected to become part of the Agros village Futuro del Mañana in Rivas, Nicaragua. Shortly, with help from Agros field staff and financing, Don Pedro set out to plant corn and beans for his family in the communal fields in Futuro, harvesting enough to open a bank account to deposit his earnings. Soon he realized that the savings’ interest rate was too low and decided to invest the money in a livestock project by purchasing seven calves. After raising and selling his cattle, Pedro was able to completely pay off his land loan, becoming the first Agros family in Nicaragua to own their own land. After so many years of insecurity and hardship, Don Pedro and his family celebrated together the pride of owning their own land. “I thank God and my children who helped me,” he says. “I’ve repaid my debt and now this land belongs to my family.”
~ Futuro del Mañana, Nicaragua ~
