AgTEC DR
The Continuing Story

For the next 5 years, BOLI teams continued to train and educate farmers on vaccinations, herd health, and management protocols.  But, regardless of the extensive time put into training, some principles of significant value were unable to be taught.  So, to solve this problem, two Dominicans traveled to the US to receive training.  And through this, AgTEC was born.  The training program lasted for three months for one intern and 11 months for the other.  The Dominicans learned, in that time, what five years could not teach them.  The program entailed an intensive hands-on training experience with both a large animal veterinarian and an experience in daily animal-husbandry on a 1,000 cow dairy.  The trainees were taught numerous skills including ultrasound, artificial insemination, newborn calf care, and sick cow care.  Additionally, the training incorporated a discipleship course so that the trainees would be equipped to share the hope of Jesus Christ with their neighbors.

Upon return to the Dominican Republic, the two trainees were eager to implement everything they had learned.  Their new knowledge and skillsets revolutionized farming as they once knew it.  They advised the surrounding farms to remove the bull and instead use artificial insemination.  Farmers began separating calves and cows for increased milk production and maximized calf growth.  Solar panels were installed to provide a consistent water supply and irrigation system.  One trainee took the knowledge he had acquired and used it to partner with the government and start a traveling artificial insemination business that also gave him opportunities to reach his community with the message of Jesus.  

The story of these two Dominicans is truly a redemption story.  Both came to know Jesus as their Savior and experienced his redeeming love.  Additionally, the forgotten hometown of farmers just trying to provide enough food for their families has become a model to the rest of the country for what sustainable agriculture can look like.