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Fazenda Tamanduá is located close to the town of Patos, in the State of Paraíba, in the northeast of Brazil. The farm is named after an impressive rock formation “Serrote Tamanduá” which means ‘mountain of the ant-eater’. Because of the total hunting prohibition on the farm, anteaters still live in the area. Furthermore this area is also a wild life sanctuary, and consequently we have many varieties of birds and mammals here including deer and small wild cats like the margay.
The climate here is characteristic of tropical semi-arid regions with an average annual rainfall of 800 mm concentrated within a short period of 2 to 4 months, followed by a long dry period. Drought cycles hit this region periodically and contribute to poverty, migration from rural areas and violence. Global climatic changes have caused a noticeable reduction in rainfall in the last few years alternating with exceptionally very heavy rains.
Since 1977, when I moved here with my wife, Fazenda Tamanduá has worked hard to find solutions to hardships this particular region faces. We have put in place various programs for economic development  including the introduction of a herd of Brown Swiss cattle, one of the world’s oldest breeds.  Furthermore, as a second measure, we planted 30 hectares of grafted Tommy Atkins and Keitt mango trees. To ensure optimum use of the scarce water supply; a drip irrigation system was installed. The irrigation water is entirely dependent on rain collected in three interconnected reservoirs.

Today, we produce a wide range of products on the farm (all of which are Demeter certified) including cow cheeses as Coalho, Ricotta, tipo Saint Paulin and Reblochon, frozen nanny goat milk, red rice, mangoes, melons, watermelons and honey. We also support local cultural traditions. Take a look at the second video in the sidebar to see our talented trio!