DAIRY FARMERS

Dairy farmers and their products offer the greatest potential

in the livestock industry.  This group is responsible for the

orderly development of the Dairy Industry in Jamaica. In

addition, it concerns itself with the scientific production of

milk, through careful and planned selection of dairy cows to

constantly improve output in both volume and quality.

BEEF FARMERS

The development of Beef Herds through selective breeding

programmes and other scientific measures has always been

a main function of this group. By working closely with

government- sponsored projects over the years, they have

achieved success in establishing a quality Beef Herd in

Jamaica that measures up to the highest level of

international standards.

The quality of Jamaican Herds has been such that there

was actually a lucrative market for breeding animals to

such markets as;

     Venezuela,

     Trinidad and Tobago,

     Barbados

     And other Central and South American countries.

However, like many other third- world countries, these

importers have been faced with the scarcity of foreign

exchange, leading to a fall-off in this trade. Nevertheless,

this group continued by artistically aligning their prices, and

by offering superior commercial arrangements for the local

markets.

PIG FARMERS

The formation of this group within the Association several

years ago, marked the start of an organized pig industry,

and JLA is continually working towards the orderly

development of this industry. Feeding and Breeding

programmes are constantly being streamlined in programmes

planned to increase yield and quality.

Today, the Pig Industry has expanded sufficiently to support

the activities of several commercial pork product processors,

such as sausages, bacon and ham.

POULTRY PRODUCERS

The Jamaica Livestock Association, through its Hatchery

(The JLA Hatchery Limited), is the prime supplier of day-old

chicks to independent poultry farmers who produce an estimated 30%- 40% of Jamaica poultry meat requirements. The JLA safeguards the interest of their poultry farmers by guarding against unnecessary importation of poultry products and regulating importation in times of shortages; such as that which occurred immediately after Hurricane Gilbert in1988 and again in 2004 after the devastating events of Hurricanes Charley and Ivan.

       During those economically challenging periods, The

Jamaica Livestock Association, imported eggs for distribution through the farmers to retail outlets, until production returned to normal.

     Through its commercial operations, the JLA supplies at

competitive prices, all the requirements of these independent

poultry farmers; from day-old chicks and feeds to feeders,

waterers, laying boxes, mesh wire, health care products and

medications.

     The Association’s Field Representatives are in constant

touch with these farmers, giving them the advice they need to make their business profitable.

SMALL STOCK

Farmers raising goats, sheep and rabbits receive guidance and assistance in every area. The Association has a  continuing programme to popularize rabbit farming, and improve the breed of goats now raised by farmers islandwide.

On a continuing basis, the JLA encourages farmers to improve their stock through the introduction of breeds that have proven to be high producers of meat and milk, and are suitable to the tropical climate and feeds available.

JLA'S ROLE ON BEHALF OF JAMAICAN FARMERS

The local agricultural sector has been the mainstay of the

Jamaican economy, since time immemorial. Jamaican farmers

have played a major role in helping to feed the nation and save vital foreign exchange through the production of import

substitutions. It stands to reason then, that our farmers should be duly recognized and their wellbeing and interests protected.  This is the mission of the Jamaica Livestock Association  – keep watch on the farmer’s behalf.

Many hurdles have been overcome since the days when decontrol in the sector was being negotiated with government. Today with decontrol of beef, poultry and more recently milk, farmers are able to set more realistic profit margins in the often times unpredictable circumstances of the agro-business sector.

     The JLA monitors the importation of foreign produce like

meats and other food stuff that might unfairly compete with and jeopardize the interests of local farmers.

     Custom duties on farming supplies and motor vehicles are also important areas which are negotiated at governmental levels to ensure and safeguard profitability. High lending rates and the availability of loans impact greatly on agriculture and farming projects. Wherever possible the JLA intercedes in the interest of farmers.

     The Jamaica Livestock Association is also instrumental in assisting government to formulate agricultural policies from time to time.  As a representative body, the JLA has earned the respect of its members, the wider community and successive governments as it continues to carry on the task of developing agriculture and representing the welfare of the farming community.