1 week ago
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Today, farmers from across the country gathered at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Central Farm Agriculture Station, where the Belize Livestock Producers’ Association together with the Ministry, distributed 10 high quality breeding bulls at a discounted price. The bulls were selected for their strong bloodlines and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, giving farmers the opportunity to improve the genetics of their female cattle and increase productivity. BLPA Chairman Arden Edwards says the initiative is part of a broader effort to better Belize’s cattle industry by helping farmers to boost productivity and increase their profits.
Arden Edward, Chairman, BLPA: “So what was made done normally before it was difficult for farmers across the country of Belize to get their hands on good breeding genetics. So he reached out, the Ministry of Agriculture reached out to BLPA for us to identify farmers who really needed the services of obtaining a good breeding genetics bull. What we were able to do was to select the needy farmers. What we have done is to select farmers who have less than 50 heads of cows for them to be able to get an opportunity to improve their breeding stock across the country of Belize. What the BLPA has been able to do with some of the farmers across this country is to teach them the importance of why we need to improve genetics. If we are able to get the right genetics in our herd, we will then be able to at some point to start to sell carcass meat or meat cuts to other countries across the world, which will then allow the farmers to get a better price for their cattle. If while we are selling animals on the hoof per pound, we also have to be conscious that if we’re going to raise an animal for 15 months we need it to move from 700 pounds to at least 1,000 pounds for the farmer to be able to make a profit.”
Speaking at this event was the minister of agriculture Rodwell Ferguson who indicated that new opportunities to market beyond Belize are also being explored.
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Agriculture: “We are trying to expand the industry across the country. And so by selling these bulls at discounted prices, the price originally was $2,700 and they dropped the price to $2,000, to make sure we can meet the request from the farmers. We will take it back to their district and they can either rent to a neighbor to expand and increase the herds in their particular district. It’s our hope to be able to have a processing plant, that we can process these meats and be able to reach out to the international markets. Because cattle around the world fetch are a very good price. And once we have an international market then our farmers will not be afraid to rear cattle because then guarantee that there is a market. Hopefully, we are in negotiations with The Bahamas, and they might want several products from Belize, as a matter of fact that meeting is tomorrow. If cattle Is a part of that negotiations that will be the first market that we can send our cattle. Three weeks ago the Prime Minister signed an MOU with El Salvador and they want many products likewise and so Belize is now becoming like a hub for the region because we have the land space. And so I’m hopeful that after today the farmers recognize the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture to be able to reach out to them.”
Among the farmers selected was Denise Gordon, a cattle farmer from Blackman Eddy Village, who shared how the breeding bull is expected to provide a major boost for both her herd and other farmers in her community.
Denise Gordon, Cattle Farmer: “Yes I was one of the farmers selected in this program, the program is to improve genetics so I do have some cattle along with my family so we work together and we’re hoping to improve our heard. This bull today will benefit me in the longer run and also in my area I’m from Blackman Eddy so we do have some other cattle farmers. So with me getting this bull today I can also help out by fellow farmers around my area maybe they can rent the bull or maybe we can work out something that I could help the other farmers around my area to improve their heard also.”
Beyond today’s distribution, the BLPA says it will continue working alongside the minority to provide farmers with further management training and promote better livestock practices.
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