By Zoila Palma: Ten small-scale cattle farmers received subsidized Brahma breeding bulls today as part of a Ministry of Agriculture initiative designed to improve livestock genetics and strengthen Belize’s growing cattle industry.
The distribution ceremony, held at Central Farm, saw farmers purchase the bulls for $2,000 each, well below their market value of $2,700 or more, with the Ministry absorbing the remaining cost.
The recipients were selected by the Belize Livestock Producers’ Association (BLPA), and included two female farmers.
The programme aims to increase access to quality breeding stock while allowing farmers to improve their own herds and generate additional income by renting the bulls to neighboring producers.
Minister of Agriculture Rodwell Ferguson said agriculture remains the backbone of Belize’s economy and noted that the cattle industry has grown into the country’s third-largest agricultural sector.
He said the industry is projected to generate approximately $90 million in revenue this year, with about $10 million to $12 million consumed locally while the majority of beef is exported to Mexico and Guatemala.
Ferguson said the Ministry’s long-term vision is to establish a meat processing plant in Belize, allowing the country to process beef into various cuts for local and export markets.
He explained that creating a reliable processing industry would guarantee farmers a stable market for their cattle, encouraging greater production and increased earnings. He added that Belize currently has an estimated 206,000 head of cattle, and improving herd genetics through initiatives such as the Brahma bull programme will help position the industry for future expansion.
The post Ministry, BLPA partner to improve herd genetics through Brahma bull programme appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Ten small-scale cattle farmers received subsidized Brahma breeding bulls today as part of a Ministry of Agriculture initiative designed to improve livestock genetics and strengthen Belize’s growing cattle industry. The distribution ceremony, held at Central Farm, saw farmers purchase the bulls for $2,000 each, well below their market value of $2,700 or
The post Ministry, BLPA partner to improve herd genetics through Brahma bull programme appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.