April and May have been months of contrasts here at Finca Terrerito: unexpected challenges, but also opportunities to strengthen our community and renew our commitment to extraordinary coffee.
These months have reminded us that behind every bean you roast, there are stories of resilience, collaboration, and a deep passion for improving lives.
Between Flowerings and Buds: Coffee’s Ongoing Cycle
Our coffee plants are healthy and showing new leaves, reflecting their steady growth. So far, we've seen four successful flowering cycles, and the flowers have already turned into pepper-like fruit a sign that the coffee is in an advanced stage of its production cycle.
However, the current weather has been a challenge. The rains have not been sufficient, affecting the plants’ nutrition and the optimal development of the cherries. We remain hopeful that the upcoming rains will bring the necessary nourishment to ensure a strong harvest. If sufficient rains don’t show up in time, we will activate irrigation from our rain water reservoir.
Activities in the Field
Meanwhile, we remain attentive to every detail in the field to ensure a successful harvest. Currently, we’re managing shade levels, 100% of our coffee is shade grown, to provide the plants with the right balance of sunlight, and we’re keeping the land clean and free of weeds. Additionally, we perform all necessary general maintenance to support the health of the crop and secure the best possible quality and yield. As part of our commitment to continuous renewal, we have also carried out recepa (stumping) on all coffee trees that are not producing optimal yields, approximately 20% of the farm. This essential process is repeated every year to rejuvenate the plants and ensure long-term productivity.
Challenges with the Containers
This month, we successfully shipped a couple of containers of coffee, but the process was not without its challenges.
The last container, in particular, presented a significant hurdle: due to the poor condition of the roads, the semi-truck’s fuel tank became detached while on route to the farm (we mean, it fell off on the Panamericana highway! Yes, imagine.... This required the urgent assistance of a mechanic whom we’re fortunate to count as a friend as well as the support of our dedicated team on site. The repair took approximately seven hours, in the middle of the Pan-American Highway, at night and in complete darkness, causing a considerable delay.
As a result, the container had to be loaded in the early morning hours. The Finca Terrerito team started at 2:00 a.m. and completed the work by 3:30 a.m., demonstrating exceptional commitment to ensure that the coffee could leave on time.
Despite these difficulties, the team’s dedication and effort were crucial in overcoming the obstacles and meeting the scheduled shipments. Unfortunately, Maersk failed us once again: even though we met their “cut-off date,” our container was delayed due to circumstances beyond our control.
A Fire That Tested Our Strength
It was Holy Week, a sunny Saturday before Easter Sunday, when we received a call that shook us all: one of our farms was on fire.
Our team immediately reacted with courage and determination to contain the flames, but losses were inevitable. We lost 15% of that plantation, around 20,000 coffee trees.
Many have asked us what caused the fire. The truth is, we don’t know. However, based on our years of experience, we can speculate on a couple of likely scenarios:
a) A neighboring farm may have set fire to their fields as an economical way to clear weeds. Unfortunately, the flames likely spread to our property, causing damage to the forest we work hard to protect.
b) Another possibility is that people enjoying Easter picnics by the river may have lit fires to cook, only to leave them unattended. The wind could have carried those flames to our farm, with tragic consequences.
The reality is that we may never know the exact cause. What we do know is that the pain of seeing our coffee trees burned is real! Experiencing this has been profoundly painful. However, this challenge also reminds us why we love what we do: because each tree/plant we care for represents years of effort and shared dreams, and because behind every bean that reaches your roasters, there is an unwavering commitment to excellence and regeneration!
Today, in May, we look at the affected lot with hope. We know that you, as roasters, seek more than just high-quality beans: you seek authentic stories, real connections, and a sincere commitment to the well-being of coffee-growing communities.
This fire, although painful, has inspired us to double down on our efforts and strengthen the bonds that connect us. Because together you, our allies, and we at Finca Terrerito can turn every adversity into an opportunity to grow, innovate, and improve lives. We are going to replant, hoping for rains that will help restore the soil. One of the most serious losses was the organic matter we had accumulated thanks to the sustainable practices we apply; that nutrient-rich layer was completely burned.
That’s why it will be necessary to add organic fertilizer and work hard to restore the soil’s health and begin a new stage for our coffee plantation.
SCA Expo 2025: United by Coffee Passion
In April, we also had the honor of participating in the renowned SCA Expo 2025 in Houston, Texas.
It was an unforgettable experience that allowed us to connect with passionate people from across the coffee world, from seed to cup.
Every encounter and every shared story at the Expo reminded us of the importance of producing coffee with conscience, sustainability, and deep respect for Mother Earth.
Every cup we shared at the event carried not just the fruits of our hands, but also our commitment to improving lives starting with our own community.
Thank you to Algrano, Planetary Design, Loring Smart Roasters, and Bird Friendly for allowing us to brew our coffee and share it with the attendees.
Honoring Those Who Give Us Life: Mother’s Day
May was also a time to celebrate Mother’s Day, with much love and gratitude for the incredible women who not only work tirelessly on our farm, but who are also the foundation of their homes.
Their love, strength, and dedication deserve to be celebrated every day.
School Life: Learning and Tradition
Our community school experienced some very special moments over the past months. Among the highlights:
- Career and trade exhibitions where our children shared their dreams about who they want to become in the future.
- Traditional games that connected us with our roots and our culture.
One of the traditional games is Hopscotch (Rayuela)
How It’s Played:
A pattern is drawn on the ground with chalk (usually numbered from 1 to 10).
A stone or marker is thrown into square number 1.
The player must move forward by hopping on one foot or both, depending on the design, avoiding stepping on the square with the marker.
Upon reaching the end, the player must return and pick up the marker without losing balance.
The Spinning Top (El Trompo)
In some places, the game is played by knocking other tops out of the play area or by toppling them.
How It’s Played:
The string is wrapped around the top from bottom to top.
It is thrown with a firm arm movement, releasing the string at the same time.
The top should spin on its tip for as long as possible.
The Kite: Letting the Imagination Fly
With a bit of paper, sticks, and string, children would build their own kites to fly them with the wind.
- The election of the student government, a democratic exercise that encourages participation and leadership from an early age.
The Little Ones Participate Too!
With great excitement and enthusiasm, the kindergarten children experienced their first encounter with the Student Government. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about participation, leadership, and teamwork from an early age.
The group was formed as follows:
President: José Omar Gómez Flores (6 years old)
Vice President: Brittany Nohemy Gonzales Mejía (4 years old)
Secretary: Angie Mariela Reyes Morán (5 years old)
Treasurer: Jesús Enrique García Bautista (6 years old)
Student Government of the School
Just like the kindergarten children, the school students also elected their Student Government, strengthening active participation and a sense of responsibility among the students.
The new team of school leaders is made up of:
President: Ricardo Arturo Murillo (14 years old)
Vice President: Wilmer Eduardo Ramírez (13 years old)
Secretary: María José Reyes Morán (12 years old)
Treasurer: José Roberto Ramírez (8 years old)
Among the activities they have proposed for this year are:
- Organizing sports events with other schools
- Maintaining the green areas and the school garden
- Encouraging their classmates to fulfill their school responsibilities
- Promoting good personal appearance among students
Their commitment will contribute to a better school environment and to the development of important values such as respect, cooperation, and leadership.
Stay Connected
If you’d like to stay updated on our activities, learn more about our projects, or simply watch our children grow, we invite you to follow us on social media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19kr9jhu8d/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esc_tmf_?igsh=c3ViYWp0MmhoMWRr
Thank you for being part of this community that grows with love, hard work, and coffee!