Diego Eder and María Gabriela are Fermin’s parentsthe boy who found him early His profession and “eye” for animals, driven by instinct and dedication. As an adult, he says so Dreams of becoming a veterinarian To continue the connection to what now started as a kind of game and its connection to the family legacy. It’s not just that he loves the countryside or the cows or the sheep; Observes, understands and applies what he learns precisely, in the way an animal should be prepared for an exhibition. The young man has the latent curiosity of a boy who still plays football and attends lessons.
““We are the fourth generation of dairy farmers, since 1909 we have been in the area milking cows.” Diego summed up. They live in Germania, a town of 1,400 northwest of Buenos Aires, where the Eder family has been doing fieldwork for more than a century. Since their ancestors arrived from the French Basque Country, they settled in Gunter as dairy farmers. Since then, the challenges have been economic, climatic and market, but the profession has remained the same. He is a fourth-generation veterinarian and breeder of the Braford breed, while his son, Fermin, At just 12 years old, he has already begun writing the next chapter of the family legacy.
“I’ve always loved cows, so I started assembling my own Braford cabin. Diego added: “Now Fermin is the fifth generation to cooperate in this field.” He decided to diversify production towards beef farming: he owns the restaurant Cabaña La Trinidad, named after his daughter..
But the sheep story serves a special purpose. “It was an idea in my mind – the father explained – to introduce him to this world, to start something of his own, with a breeding program, crossbreeding and competitions. I wanted to convey something I’m passionate about. Fortunately, it hit him hard and he does it with great passion. “Sometimes I wake up and go to the field alone so he can rest and continue sleeping, but he gets angry,” he said.
Firmin confirms this with the simplicity of his time and the determination of someone who had already found his way: “I have about 40 mothers, lambs and two rams. When there are no exhibitions, I take them to the clover – to feed them – and in the afternoon I bring them in and give them water and a little ration. But when the fair approaches, I bathe them, take care of their wool, and tame them.“.
The child talks naturally about dressage, races and food, but also with the enthusiasm of someone who enjoys doing what he does. “I like going to the fair early every day more than going to the beach,” he says with a laugh. However, his routine remains that of any boy his age: At school, he was in the lower grades at Germania Football Club – where he played as a nine – and would spend a few hours on his cell phone before bed.
Diego, who closely accompanies him, emphasized that they and his wife are very careful to maintain this balance. “Veer is 12 years old and has to do kid things. We love that you have this passion, but we don’t want to impose a family mandate on you. Tomorrow he will choose what he wants: he goes to school and is in very good shape. He will go to study a career in the capital, as I did, and in the future he will decide what he wants to become. for now, Have fun and learn a lotThe father indicated that it is a topic of conversation in the family.
Fermin’s accomplishments did not take long to arrive, even though he was just getting started: He made his debut as an exhibitor this year at the Palermo Country Fair, where he won second and third prizes with his animals. Then, at the Hampshire Down National Gallery in Huenca Rinaco, In Cordoba he gave the surprise: “He’s got four and he’s got three champions -Diego said proudly-. He won the male grand champion and reserve female grand champion. It was a tremendous achievement, competing with cabins with 50 or 60 years of experience, rearing up to 400 sheep.. Therefore, his achievements are magnified.
For Diego, seeing his son repeat his path has a value that is difficult to express. “It is a deep feeling and pride that the tradition continues. I believe that seeing one’s passion reflected in a child is more powerful than their personal accomplishments. “When I see that in my son, of course the emotions come out, because it’s exciting,” he admitted.I’ve also won awards with my Brafords, but this is different. Sometimes I have a hard time looking at it emotionally.He added.
“Over time I realized he loved it, and that he had an eye for animals. The eye, even if you trained it, sometimes did not work, but he had it and liked it. I realized that the sheep is a friendlier animal for him,” he said, emphasizing that he and the boy love the farm.
Aside from the family history linked to dairying, he said: His father was devoted to farming and fattening livestock. But over the years and the need for diversification, activity expanded. Even in rented fields.
“Diego remembers that it was very difficult in the 1990s. My father told us: ‘Go study, because I don’t know if I’ll leave you anything other than a degree.’ But we keep moving forward, with effort. The field is difficult, there are ups and downs, but it is worth it.He analyzed.
Fermin dreams of studying veterinary medicine and continuing to raise a flock of sheep and cows. He admits that he loves big animals. ““I want to get my cabin and continue with the animals,” he says with conviction. Between classes, training and exhibitions, he learns from his father not only technique, but also a passion for the work and the land.
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