Week 4: Farm Fiesta

It was just another work experience day. I expected to spend the morning upturning compost piles and measuring the height of my lettuce with Fhernando. But when we reached the compost canopy, there were sheep EVERYWHERE, pooping, trampling on the compost, gorging on dried corn cobs, and having the time of their lives. There is no better visual to describe Hobbe’s state of nature – fiesta de ovejas (sheep party). 

(Sheep on the Loose - 06/29/24)

But on this day, I learned sheep aren’t just party animals, they can also be protective, aggressive, and sick (enfermo). After Fhernando and I helped everyone shovel the fresh poop into its correct compost bin (compartimiento) and reorganize the scene, we didn’t end up working with the compost. Instead, we went over to help check the sheep – well, we thought it would just be a check-up. Our work turned out to be much more intimate (we would be isolating sick sheep and applying a paste of oil and copper sulfate mixture to diseased areas). 

The afflicted sheep looked awful – they had inflamed scabs surrounding their eyes and shriveling their ears, so I was glad to be able to help them, but they were not used to the treatment and put up quite a fight (pelea). The application process went as follows: Fhernando raced to catch a sheep and braced his body around it, and I tried my best to paint the refusing sheep with a brush of the solution. The process involved grit, sweat, strength, and closing your nostrils. The work was so intense (intenso) that Fhernando received a few deep gashes in his arm. But we were glad for the experience and exposure. We agreed animal production might not be our cup of tea (or coffee, we drink coffee with every meal here). 

(Treatment for Ill Sheep - 06/29/24)

On our way to the pick-up bus, we saw a mama sheep and the most darling lambs (another word is lambkins, and I think that is adorable). She, understandably, gave us a look and moved in front to block her babies from our sight. 

(Lambkins - 06/29/24)

I spent a large portion of my week learning about the animal production systems at EARTH. I had the opportunity to visit the animal facilities and food processing lab with the Viva La Experiencia Program (a week-long, engaging pre-college program). With hair nets and beard nets, we toured the dairy facilities and watched other 2nd-year students create the yogurt we consume in the cafeteria. We saw pigs and held piglets – my heart melted (derretida). We passed the hen house, which was named “Eggsperience.” And we learned about creative research projects relating to these processes. One fourth year-student is tracking if playing different genres of music affects the amount of milk a cow will produce during a milking event. 

(Chocolate Lab - 06/25/24)

Viva La Experiencia also took a trip to the banana plantations to learn about natural pest management strategies. We (ages 14-18) slashed banana trees with machetes to cut out fragrant blocks that would attract pests to the fungal traps (the fungi would penetrate and take over the insects’ bodies). My machete wasn’t working (aka. my aim was off), but eventually, I cut out a coarse (grueso), groovy (literally, the edges were quite fragmented) wedge of banana pseudo-stem. 

(Lily’s Machete Technique - 06/26/24)

When I wasn’t with Viva La Experiencia, I was in my room or the library researching and writing my preliminary abstract for my project. In the field, my project observes whether or not bacteria enhances lettuce plant growth, but in my paper, I am able to tie my experiment to the greater goal (meta) of finding natural, cost-effective, and sustainable ways to grow food. 

I am learning so much about the food systems and programs here in Costa Rica. Cooperatives play a major part in helping small-scale farmers compete in the market by equipping them with materials and technology, training in best practices, and more. EARTH University has a program called EARTH Futures where EARTH students and staff work with rural committees in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and other countries to increase agricultural opportunities and sustainability (sostenibilidad) (https://www.earth.ac.cr/earth-futures-en/).  

Each day here, I gain a greater awareness of the nature, life, and the sustainable way of thinking around me. Whether it be riding through the rainforest (selva), splashing in the river (río), or shoveling caca and microorganisms, I see how natural and man-made systems can support one another. 

After a crazy week, I used my Saturday and Sunday to slumber. Fun fact: here in Costa Rica, they don’t say “My brain is fried,” they say “My brain is collapsed” (“Mi cerebro está colapsado”). Yes - my brain is collapsed, but my heart is full and happy. I’m looking forward to another week of research, classes, and dancing. Next week, I’ll be taking my first Spanish class at the university, and I’ll be dancing with my dorm in a dance choreography competition. I’ll be doing cartwheels and splits; wish me luck! :O 

!Ciao! !Pura Vida!