CCF has what we call a "model farm". By housing goats, sheep, cattle, and Namibian wildlife on our land we here at CCF can see for ourselves what practices for wildlife coexistence and predator control are most effective. It would be easy and ineffective for us to tell Namibian farmers what we think is best, but here we lead by example. It gives many ranchers the proof they need to see our recommendations can work.

The sheep we have here are called Damara sheep. They are originally from eastern Asia and Egypt, and smaller than the sheep we are used to picturing in the states. Most are a light brown although some are black, dark brown, or spotted. They have a long fatty tail that acts as a reserve, almost like the hump of a camel. Most are skittish around people but there is a mother-daughter pair, Happy and Bunny who are sweet as can be and serve as our ambassadors. It may sound funny but most of the goats are very sweet (even if also pushy for love and food) and each have unique quirks and personality traits which make them stand out. I've really enjoyed working with them, and what is even more amazing is watching the farm hands work with them. The skill and ease they have herding dozens and dozens of animals is nothing short of a miracle.

We also use our model farm for training for Future Farmers of Africa, or FFA. Over 8,000 Namibians have been certified via FFA. Unlike American FFA which frequently teaches how to exploit animals for money, the goal of this FFA is to teach conservation strategies that promote sustainability and coexistence with wildlife species. The courses include livestock health, care, and medicine which help reduce livestock loss. FFA also teaches how to ID predator kill techniques. Often times cheetahs are blamed for a kill when in reality it could have been a variety of other species. We also teach methods for non-lethal predator control. That is where our livestock guardian dogs I wrote about come in!

Paige is the woman in charge of the livestock guardian dog program. She's a total goat/dog lover, and not afraid to stand up for the animals or be herself (aka a huge idol of mine). As the main dog intern she is my supervisor, and along with junior staff member Stella, I think the three of us along with all the farm staff make a pretty awesome team to keep all the goats sheep and dogs happy and healthy.

Thanks for everyone's kind words they've been leaving on here and on social media. Africa is amazing, but tough, and it makes it easier to know I am helping to educate you guys, so make sure to spread the word about the conservation I write about so more people can understand the importance of predators and sustainability! Remember we only have one planet Earth… once it's gone, it's gone. We have to work together to keep her healthy since she works so hard to keep everything so beautiful for us, and, ya know, allows us all to survive. Until next time!