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These traditional windmills are essential for supplying water to livestock farms in the extremely remote and arid regions of Patagonia. As surface water is scarce, these windmills pump groundwater directly into water tanks or livestock troughs. The vast farms (estancias) are not connected to the electricity grid as they are often located far from the nearest town. Patagonia is one of the windiest regions on earth. The design of these windmills, with their many rotor blades, allows them to start turning even in a very light breeze, whilst protecting themselves from destruction during the notorious Patagonian storms thanks to an automatic flag control system. – Estancia “Las Toscas” in the province of Santa Cruz – Argentina – 1975

The sky over Patagonia looks different from anywhere else. It is often veiled by very light clouds that let a strange light shine through. Sometimes the wind blows in violent gusts and causes sandstorms. Then it is necessary to seek shelter immediately to escape the turmoil of the elements. A yellowish light intensifies the sense of threat that grips the traveller. But the storm does not last long, and soon the sky is clear again. The inhabitants of the Pampas have taken advantage of the wind. They set up windmills at various points on their property and use them to pump water out of the ground. In many places this precious wet is completely lacking, which is all the more regrettable because thousands of cattle, which together with the sheep make up the wealth of Patagonia, need a watering place. This picture was taken on the estancia “Las Toscas” in the province of Santa Cruz. - 1973