The story of Estancia Los Potreros is not merely written in history books; it is etched into the rolling hills and pastures the Begg family call home . While the family’s connection to the land began even earlier through a tenancy agreement, it was in 1965 that Robert Begg formalised the farming system that defines the estancia’s legacy today.
A Legacy of Excellence
The farming operations at Los Potreros are centered around two world-class programs:
Award-Winning Angus Cattle: The estancia raises a highly recognised herd of Aberdeen Angus, maintaining a breeding program that prioritises quality, health, and resilience.
A Diverse Equine Herd: Over the last two decades, the estate has cultivated a magnificent collection of over 120 horses, including Argentine and Chilean Criollos, agile Polo Ponies, smooth-stepping Peruvian Pasos, and versatile Quarter Horses.
Living Wild and Free
At Los Potreros, the belief is that animals thrive best when they live as nature intended. There are no cramped stalls or confined feedlots; instead, the cattle and horses spend their entire lives roaming freely across vast natural grasslands.
By mimicking their natural habitats, the estancia allows these animals to socialize, graze, and express their essential "wild" behaviors. This approach is more than a farming choice, it is a fundamental commitment to the spirit and well-being of the animal.
Beyond Sustainability: Regenerative Roots
For Estancia Los Potreros, "sustainable" is only the starting point. The guiding ambition is regenerative: to leave the land in a better state than it was found. The estancia recognises that the success of its operations depends entirely on the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
The team actively works to expand natural habitats, enhance biodiversity, and protect threatened species. By incorporating regenerative agriculture into daily routines, the farming protocol remains in a state of constant, healthy evolution.
"The commitment at Los Potreros goes beyond merely being sustainable; the goal is to leave things better than they were found."
The Five Pillars of Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is the heartbeat of the estancia. Every manager, gaucho, and staff member is rigorously trained to uphold these core principles:
Freedom to Move: Animals are never confined; they are born to roam.
Natural Expression: Every animal is afforded the space and social structure to behave as they would in the wild.
Environmental Well-being: The estancia provides 24/7 access to pasture and sufficient natural protection from the elements.
Pure Nutrition: The use of food additives, growth promoters, hormones, or animal by-products is strictly prohibited.
Expert Care: All personnel are thoroughly trained and competent in the highest standards of animal husbandry and welfare.
At Estancia Los Potreros, tradition and nature walk hand-in-hand, creating a working landscape where history is honored and the future of the land is secured.