Stories from the Farm: Life at Finca T Week 2
The rain continues to fall steadily on the coffee farms in Honduras, making life both beautiful and challenging. Power outages have become part of the daily rhythm, and as harvest season approaches, “normal” quickly turns into “stressful.” Thankfully, the farm’s generator has been earning its keep, roaring to life each time the power cuts out. Solar energy has been considered as a future goal, but for now, it remains on the “someday” list.
When the power goes out, restoring it is no simple task. Michael, the head of exports, often goes pole by pole through the rain, sometimes in the middle of the night, to reset or replace breakers by hand. The level of dedication shown by the team never fails to impress.
The Quiet Before the Harvest
This time of year feels like the calm before everything bursts into motion. Harvest season is right around the corner, and the energy on the farm is shifting as everyone prepares for the busy months ahead. Harvest at Finca Terrerito is a 24/7 operation. Most of the core team lives on-site during this time, and it truly becomes an all-hands-on-deck effort.
This week, about fifteen pickers arrived to begin fertilization prep. The coffee cherries are starting to blush red and ripen, and anticipation is building. The quiet of the farm will not last much longer.
What Harry Has Been Up To
Harry continues to make the most of his time on the farm, balancing work and plenty of lighthearted moments. His latest mission has been forming a basketball team. So far, he has recruited Michael, possibly Michael’s mom, Elisa (the farm’s Q-grader), and occasionally Al. The lineup may be unconventional, but the enthusiasm is unmatched.
He also tried horseback riding for the first time and quickly decided that he preferred the moto taxi instead. The farm’s moto taxi, affectionately named the Finca T Expresso, is a three-wheeled bike taxi used to zip between villages for team members who do not live on-site.
For his grand finale of the week, Harry accidentally locked himself out of the farmhouse and called Marcial, the farm director, to bring the dump truck so he could scale the wall and fence. The entire crew watched and laughed, proving that farm life never lacks entertainment.
While Harry has been busy in the field, the admin team has been hard at work behind the scenes. From logistics to payroll to quality control, each person plays a critical role and wears many hats. The collaboration and commitment across departments serve as a powerful reminder that behind every cup of Alma Coffee is a dedicated group of people working together to make it possible.
Small-Town Adventures
Team members have also been spending more time in town, connecting with the community and soaking in the culture. There is something grounding about walking through the streets, greeting locals, and seeing how deeply coffee is woven into daily life.
One recent trip turned into an unexpected adventure when Lourdes, the head of quality control, led a small coffee shop crawl for “research.” On the way home, her car began to overheat and stopped in the middle of town. Before anyone could panic, an elderly man appeared to help. Moments later, Michael passed by on his bike with a friend and a dog in tow, and soon eight people were gathered, determined to fix the car. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing more than a loose cap. The group shared a laugh, avoided disaster, and made a few new friends along the way.
The Hard Part of Farm Life
Not every moment on the farm is filled with lightheartedness. This week brought the loss of three tiny kittens despite every effort to save them. Their mother could not produce enough milk and abandoned them, prompting the team to try everything possible: warm cow’s milk, blankets, and even introducing them to another cat in hopes she would take them in. For a few days, it seemed to help, but they were simply too young and weak to survive.
It is one of the more difficult sides of farm life. Being surrounded by so much life also means facing how fragile it can be. The experience was a somber reminder of the balance that exists in nature.
Bird Rescue and Feathered Friends
Fortunately, there were also uplifting moments. One afternoon, a small bird crash-landed in the courtyard, right in the middle of a group of curious cats. The team jumped into action, took a few scratches in the process, and managed to set the bird free again. It was a small victory that lifted everyone’s spirits.
The farm is home to a vibrant ecosystem of coffee trees, fruit trees, and a stunning variety of birds. Finca Terrerito is officially Smithsonian Certified Bird Friendly, and over forty bird species have been documented on-site. The team even became the first on the CornellLab platform to officially record a Western Tanager. The flash of orange and yellow from this rare visitor has since become a welcome symbol of good luck on the farm.
Looking Ahead
Week two brought a mix of stillness and movement, quiet moments and laughter, challenges and victories. The team continues to grow closer, learn from one another, and immerse themselves more deeply in Honduran farm life. With harvest season fast approaching, the countdown has officially begun.
