The Farm Beat: Nothing Says 'Merry Christmas' Like a Water Buffalo

Heifer International, a global aid group that has a demonstration farm near Ceres, suggests an alternative to giving gifts to your gifted-out friends and relatives. Instead, you can make donations in their name and help Heifer provide livestock to poor people around the world. As the news release puts it, "Soon, your goat, cow, pig or water buffalo will be delivered to a family in need, minus the tape, ribbons and bows, and it will be welcomed with smiles, laughter and the outpouring of joy that accompanies one of the best gifts a family could ever receive - a gift of hope and opportunity that will help them build a self-reliant future." It's a clever twist on Heifer's admirable mission - giving people livestock that will help them feed their families and make a living, rather than just sending monetary aid. And it's nice that it has a local twist. Learn more at www.heifer.org.