Increasing Dairy Production in Barbados: Costa Rican Vet Urges Investment in Farm Equipment for Dry Season Challenges

A visiting Costa Rican veterinary expert has called for investment in farm equipment to increase dairy production, especially during the dry season when grass is scarce.

Dr Esteban Mata Paniagua, a prominent vet specialising in dairy production, made the observation after touring several farms across the island. His visit aimed to “improve the dairy industry in Barbados and advise on things being done in Costa Rica to improve milk production and quality,” he said.

With the dry season and extreme heat slowing down milk production, the vet’s call comes amid a rising sense of urgency to implement measures swiftly and speed up the flow of the government’s promised financial aid to farmers.

“We are detecting some opportunities that we can improve,” Dr Paniagua said at Ashford Plantation in St John. “Over the last few visits I have made, I noticed we have an opportunity to improve the way we are feeding the cattle, and that’s maybe because we are in a dry season where there isn’t enough grass, which is a very important thing.”

To address this challenge, Dr Paniagua suggested investing in equipment that could support the production of silage, a stable alternative feed source during less fertile months.

Paniagua’s visit was facilitated by sole feed importer Pinnacle Feeds Limited. Tara Jean- Pierre, the firm’s commercial and farm services supervisor, said the company aims to host various consultants and experts throughout the year to share insights and develop Barbados’ dairy capabilities.

This initiative is intended to back up recent government efforts to support dairy producers, including rebates on hay and silage equipment as outlined in this year’s budget to stem a falloff in milk production.

Ashford plantation owner Brian Allan, vice president of the Dairy and Beef Producers Association, confirmed that farmers are facing difficulties in cattle feeding during the dry season. He said the governmental support “will be a tremendous help” as he expressed hope that the promised financial aid will be executed promptly.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) James Paul underscored the urgency of deploying solutions swiftly owing to the critical cash flow challenges facing farmers. He revealed plans to enhance facilities in preparation for the importation of 214 in-calf heifers in the coming months, aiming to significantly boost milk production.

Paul said: “We need to be able to ensure that whatever benefits come, that they come quickly because right now our milk production is around three million kilogrammes and we would like to get it back up to the days when it was around six million kilogrammes and up, but this is not going to happen unless we make the necessary investment in capital and equipment that is required now.”