Back from Peru

Ancient agricultural terraces and buildings situated at the very top of Wayna Picchu (near Machu Picchu).  I guess I shouldn't complain about the work I have to do on my ranch. 
Last week I took a break from work at the ranch and went on a tour of Peru with my family.  The trip was fun and educational, especially from an agricultural perspective.  I have to say I was very impressed with both the ancient and the modern Peruvian farmers.

It would be impossible for me to capture the vast amount of agricultural accomplishments of the Peruvian people in once small blog post.  The best I can do is give my overall impression and post a few pictures with brief descriptions.  In a world trending more and more towards large-scale mechanized production of blandly identical plants and animals, many Peruvians seem to have managed to maintain a smaller-scale less industrialized method of farming a larger variety of foods.  It's something I wish the we had more of in the US.
Ancient agricultural terraces at Machu Picchu. The terraces turned previously uncultivated mountainsides into productive fields and were irrigated with a system of channeled spring water that is still working.






A recently installed agricultural fence consisting of posts, wire, and mud brick with cacti planted on top.  The cacti will quickly grow into a formidable fence that will probably last a lot longer than most other types of fence. 
Domestic llamas grazing at Machu Picchu.  I think one is named Paul. 
One of two machetes purchased in Lima. 
Also while in Peru I decided I'd take a chance on acquiring some decent machetes.  While I do have chainsaws, a brush cutter, and various other tools, a good machete definitely does have its place (when used safely) amongst farm equipment.  In the past I have owned a number of machetes purchased in the US, but, unfortunately, in my experience, they've always fell short of my expectations and were way overpriced.  For this reason, I decided it would be worth it to buy my machetes in Peru and bring them home with me (legally of course) in my checked luggage.  Though I was subjected to some extensive questioning at the Lima airport during check-in, it was definitely worth it to have a good machete. 
The machete at the ranch.

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