A strategic cattle breeding initiative is transforming Guyana’s beef industry, with Region Five emerging as a national success story under President Dr Irfaan Ali’s drive for agricultural modernisation.
Led by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Bull Rotation Programme aims to improve the genetics, resilience, and productivity of local herds, directly supporting CARICOM’s “25 by 2025 plus Five” food security plan.
Launched in 2012 and strengthened with the importation of 64 elite Brahman bulls in 2022, the programme has helped Region Five’s cattle population grow by 4.3 per cent in 2024, reaching nearly 120,000 head across 1,503 herds.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, over 250 calves were born there last year alone through the programme.
Farmers like Dianne Cheefoon, one of Region Five’s leading female ranchers, credit the initiative with boosting slaughter weights, herd health, and profitability. “With better genetics, our animals gain weight faster and the operation is now more profitable,” Cheefoon said.
At Inshanally Bacchus’s Ranch on the Abary River, improved breeds have more than doubled profits despite a smaller herd. Manager Satesh Persaud noted, “We used to sell ten animals to earn what we now make from one improved calf.”
The GLDA’s next phase will expand crossbreeding with Brangus and Beefmaster cattle to maintain high-quality herds suited to Guyana’s climate.
“The Bull Rotation Programme is modernising cattle farming and strengthening Guyana’s role in regional food production,” said GLDA CEO Dr Dwight Walrond.
With strong farmer participation and continued investment, the programme is expected to cement Guyana’s place as a top beef supplier in the Caribbean while securing livelihoods for local producers.
