or business, and likewise in case of emergency. However, progress did not come to all: many ovejeros (shepherds) were still permanently stationed in remote locations (with horse and dogs) to tend the flocks. Living alone for months on end in puestos (simple huts), their contact with other human beings was scarce. Much later (and even to this day), news from the “outside world” reached them via the daily radio programme “Mensajes para el campo” (“messages for the country”).
After the initial “pioneer” period, life in the estancias was certainly bearable, but never easy. The weather, especially the high winds and winter snows, was a constant menace. Water, of course, had to be found on-site. Some basic vegetable crops (potatoes, cabbage, carrots) could be grown locally, to accompany the abundant home-produced mutton. All other supplies had to be brought in at high cost. In particular, the absence of trees on the pampa meant that there was no cheap fuel supply for heating houses and operating machinery. Many buildings were prefabricated using imported materials: roofs were made of corrugated iron, the same material being used for exterior walls.
Public services non-existent. For instance, whenever possible, expectant mothers made the long trip into town some time before the new baby was due. To pursue their education, children had to lodge in town, if possible with relatives: only well-off families had the resources to send their children to boarding school, in Buenos Aires and Santiago, or back in the home-country. Without a resident police force in most cases, law-and-order was perforce a local matter. Entertainment? — something to look forward to on the next trip to town. In short, self-sufficiency was the day-to-day imperative for people and business alike.
Summing up, the estancia system in Southern Patagonia developed in response to the economic and social challenges of sheep ranching in hostile surroundings. Its basic structure has endured, with certain changes, to the present day. The general level of isolation is lower, although the work of the ovejero apparently continues unchanged. Certainly, the industry is not as prosperous as before: but this is due to low world market prices of wool and mutton, rather than any major inherent flaws. Despite a century of technological advances and social change, the estancia remains the fundamental unit of sheep ranching in the region.
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About Gateway to South America
Gateway to South America was established in 2006 as a single office in Buenos Aires. The company has since expanded into a vibrant regional network, servicing the Southern Cone communities of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay with professional real estate services. Founded by Geoffrey McRae a New Zealander who maintains an active role in the business it has developed into an International team that has a well-deserved reputation for strong local knowledge, experience and professionalism. I hope you enjoy reading our news site. Please share it on your social media below.