By Aliany Ramos Rosado
Martínez Dairy was established in 1950, as an agricultural production and cattle raising farm in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. As agricultural output declined, dairy production emerged. Then, in 1987, Manuel “Ricky” Martínez Arbona inherited the family dairy business. Since his beginnings on the farm, Manuel and his wife, Wanda Loarte, implemented conservation practices following the guidance of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Currently, their sons Enrique and Pablo Martínez Loarte, the fourth generation, are in charge of the family legacy and they strive towards maintaining these practices because they recognize the importance of conserving natural resources and maintaining "a symbiotic relationship," as Enrique stated it, with the agency.
Enrique and Pablo contribute a unique and innovative approach to the farm. Pablo developed an agrotourism business, welcoming visitors to the farm in 2019 to promote education and provide an unforgettable experience for the public. Martínez Dairy offers everything from weekend tours to yoga and therapy with cows. Pablo is also in the process of developing an ice cream shop with local dairy products and a children's playground for school and family field trips.
Source : usda.gov