Monteverde : Ecology and Conservation of a Tropical Cloud Forest

Figure 11.1. Quaker settlers en route to

Monteverde on the Pan American Highway

in 1951. Photograph by John Campbell.

small to generate sufficient income through beef.
However, on larger farms beef production was attrac-
tive. The cows could graze slopes that were too steep
to cultivate, and walk to market regardless of road
conditions. Where management skills, infrastructure,
flat land, and investment capital were minimal, beef
was one of the few options.

11.1. The Monteverde Dairy Industry

11.1.1. History of the Monteverde Upland

Dairy Industry

The background and education of the Quaker settlers

who arrived in 1950 were key influences on agricul-

Figure 11.2. Transportation of milk and other fresh commodities was difficult in the early days of

Monteverde's establishment, which led to the establishment of the dairy plant. Photograph by John

Campbell.

392 Agriculture in Monteverde: Moving Toward Sustainability