Falkland Islands’ Sabbatical

Wreck Point Farm, San Carlos

So that I could see how another farm operated, I spent a week at Wreck Point Farm. Here, they do not use quad bikes or motorbikes to gather sheep but rely on horses. They also hand milk their cows and from which they also make their own butter. This farm is not as large as KVF but it has more rugged terrain and which, in places, is unsuitable for wheels. They farm sheep, goats and cows and also have 10 horses. Eggs are courtesy of hens and ducks.

Wreck Point Farm

The wooden structure in the foreground is a palenque (pronounced palenky) and which is used during the slaughter of cattle. The animal is hoisted so it can be processed and kept out of the reach of dogs. I never actually saw this in use. To the centre left is the wind turbine for the 24 hour power. Behind it is the shearing shed. The remaining buildings are out buildings and two houses.

Shepherding on horseback

These sheep had been ‘driven’ approximately seven miles from Wreck Point Farm, on the other side of San Carlos Water, to KVF. From here, after an overnight rest, they would be taken to the abattoir in Stanley. Wreck Point farm is one of the few remaining ones which use horses for sheep work with the assistance of dogs. The sheep were taken to KVF as access to Wreck Point Farm was via tracks and therefore not suitable for the transporter. A suitable road was in the plans for construction.

Out gathering sheep

We had been out gathering around 300 sheep from hillsides where they should not have been but they'd found ways through the fencing. The 6 hour ride had taken us round the peninsula in the background and ended up being a round trip of about 25 miles over some quite rugged and boggy terrain. Total freedom and absolutely wonderful.

Hand milking cow

Another feature of this farm is that they hand milk their cows. Not having 'had a go' since I was 9 years old and taken to a farm on a school trip, I had to try it again. I was successful but it doesn't half tire out some hardly used muscles in the forearm. 'Green' milk straight from the cow was lovely but don't let any of the Eurocrats in Brussels know I drank it!!

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Copyright ©Peter Ormond 2004