Unexpected decision leads to successful cattle farm for psychologist in Argentina

Natalia Auat seized an unexpected opportunity to launch her dream cattle-raising project while her husband was away on a training trip. She recalls returning home to find the animals already in the field and the reservoir dug, marking the decisive start of her venture in Santiago del Estero.

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When he returned from the trip, the animals were already in the field and the reservoir was dug.

Auat, who is also a licensed child and adolescent psychologist, now leads the Las Higueras stud farm, part of La Leonor SRL. The operation encompasses a full production cycle, including a feedlot and direct meat sales. She actively participates in livestock expos, managing her time between her psychology practice and the farm.

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It was a bit sudden, but that's how it all began.

Her connection to agriculture is deeply rooted in her childhood. Growing up as the daughter of a butcher, she was surrounded by animals and familiar with managing livestock on land her father administered. Although she moved to Santiago capital for her education, pursuing psychology, the pull of the countryside remained strong.

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I want to return to my origins, to what I lived at home when I was a child.

For years, Auat balanced her career in child psychology with supporting the family business, which was primarily agricultural. Her husband had extensive experience in farming but was initially resistant to raising cattle. Auat's decisive action during his absence transformed her long-held aspiration into a tangible reality, starting with a small herd for breeding and raising.

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Asking years ago 'let's put some animals' was a firm no.