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Farming in the Azores

As many of the long-time subscribers know, Katlin (our District Manager) is an avid traveler.  Recently, she went on a "work" trip to the Azores (islands off the coast of Portugal) to learn about their farming practices and take in the stunning scenery.  The Azores were colonized in the early 1400s by Portuguese explorers.  Today, the islands boast modern society ammenities in historical cobblestone downtown areas.  With a mild, subtropical climate known for unpredictable weather (four seasons in a day), the flora is abundant and green.  Species from all over the world flourish there, and according to one guide, only 14% of the flora nowadays is native to the Azores.  

Dairy farming is a primary industry across the islands, with 30% of the overall Portuguese dairy production coming from the Azores.  During Katlin's tour, she visited Âmago Wellness Farm,  a local dairy farm focused on regenerative agriculture.  The owners, Gena & João, diligently practice rotational grazing and organic raw milk production.  While visiting the farm, Katlin helped bring the cows in, tried hand-milking a cow,  and made fresh cheese.  

Besides the dairy farm, Katlin also visited a vineyard/winery, a tropical plant and coffee plantation, a tea plantation, and a pineapple farm.  Needless to say, Katlin had a wonderful time exploring the Azores and Madeira.

A person in a black shirt with a cow on a grassy field, under a partly cloudy sky.
Cow eating hay in a barn, with dust and strands of hay in the air.
Two people milking a cow, one holding a bucket, both wearing rubber boots and smiling.
A bowl of yogurt in a green cup, on a white plate with a spoon next to it. Some yogurt spilled on the plate.
Two cows on a green hillside with patches of forest, overlooking hills and the ocean.
Green grapevine with leaves and clusters of green grapes growing among rocks and soil.
A serene landscape of green fields, a large tree, blooming hydrangeas, and a distant ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
A small, unripe pineapple growing in a plant with long, green and reddish leaves.
Coastal landscape with blue flowers in the foreground, green cliffs, ocean, and a partly cloudy sky.
A person in a black shirt with a cow on a grassy field, under a partly cloudy sky.
Cow eating hay in a barn, with dust and strands of hay in the air.
Two people milking a cow, one holding a bucket, both wearing rubber boots and smiling.
A bowl of yogurt in a green cup, on a white plate with a spoon next to it. Some yogurt spilled on the plate.
Two cows on a green hillside with patches of forest, overlooking hills and the ocean.
Green grapevine with leaves and clusters of green grapes growing among rocks and soil.
A serene landscape of green fields, a large tree, blooming hydrangeas, and a distant ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
A small, unripe pineapple growing in a plant with long, green and reddish leaves.
Coastal landscape with blue flowers in the foreground, green cliffs, ocean, and a partly cloudy sky.

 

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