Self-sufficiency on the Fazendas
In the last 10 years, pantaneiros have no longer been allowed (by the government) to hunt on their land - nor can they cut down some species of trees. This has obviously meant that their style of life has changed a lot. They now rely heavily on the shops in the nearest town, which for Pousada Aguape is Aquidauana. They make a weekly trip into town and come back laden with stores. The owner said he was always relieved to get back from town and get out of his 'town' clothes.

Despite this they do have their cattle and occasionally kill one. They also have cows which they milk at dawn, and guests can have a go - easier said than done! The milk is delicious and makes excellent cheese. There are some fruit trees, chickens, geese and they grow some vegetables such as lettuce.

This girl (from Belgium) who was travelling round Brazil with her father for a month, is being shown how to milk a cow. Between the three of us we didn't get enough milk for one drink, but the pantaneiro was able to fill a bowl in about 2 minutes!