Maina Talia, right, of Tuvalu in the South Pacific, visited the Thiele Dairy Farm in Jefferson Township on Sept. 24. Talia discussed sustainable farming methods and climate change with William Thiele, left, which he said has greatly affected his nation. Talia visited as part of the Presbyterian Church USA Peacemaking Program. Talia also visited several PCUSA churches in the area. Submitted Photo

A man who lives among the swaying palms of the South Pacific visited a local farm to discuss the effect of climate change on his nation’s fragile farming industry.

Maina Talia of Tuvalu visited Calvin, Callery, Old Union and Clinton United Presbyterian churches, as well as the Beaver/Butler Presbytery in Zelienople, as one of seven people touring the United States with the Presbyterian Church USA Peacemaking Program.

Talia visited the Thiele Dairy Farm in Jefferson Township on Sept. 24., where William Thiele showed him the modern barn, cows, milking machines, crops and equipment.

“He was completely fascinated by everything, because that’s something he doesn’t have in his native country,” Thiele said of the modern milking equipment. “His eyes were just huge the whole time.”

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