The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) has provided helpful post-Hurricane Beryl tips for livestock farmers. These include conducting assessments of their homes, farms and animals in the aftermath of a hurricane, according to RADA Livestock Specialist, Maxine Brown. Speaking during the recent Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show in Clarendon, Ms. Brown said farmers should start with a visual assessment...

Having turned their passion into profit, sisters, Tashana and Latoya Newell of Ramble, St. Thomas, are enjoying independence and time freedom through their beloved farming ventures. The duo, who were inspired by their father, an ardent farmer, are growers of onions, sweet peppers, cucumbers, watermelons, pineapples, bananas, plantains and ackees. They also dabble in livestock by raising chickens. In an...

With losses of more than $1 billion from Hurricane Beryl and forecasts of up to seven major hurricanes from now through November, the country’s farmers are being urged to prepare for the possibility of more severe weather systems. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is imploring farmers to develop a Comprehensive Farm Emergency Plan and strengthen existing strategies as a...

The Banana Board is urging banana and plantain farmers to be prepared for possible increases in pest populations, following the recent heavy rains caused by Hurricane Beryl. Bananas are known to attract varying numbers and types of pests. Once flooding occurs, roots are often left waterlogged, which creates the ideal environment for pests. General Manager of the Banana Board, Janet...

Nestled along the fertile farming belt in the breadbasket parish of St. Elizabeth, Newell High School is cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through  partnerships and hands-on programmes spanning crops, livestock and aquaculture, the institution is promoting sustainable food production among its young students and the wider community. Principal, Audrey Ellington, outlines to JIS News the school's rich history...

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs has named 17-year-old Rhondre Elliott and 18-year-old Deneila Wright as its 2024 Youth Ambassadors. The announcement was made at the Club’s National Achievement Day, staged at the 4-H Training Centre in Denbigh, Clarendon, on May 10. Students from two colleges secured the most coveted awards, more popularly referred to as ‘Boy and Girl of the Year’....

The parish of St. Mary, with its verdant landscapes and rural charm, boasts two leaders who are shaping the future of youth empowerment and agricultural innovation within the 4-H community. Vice Principal of the St. Mary High School and leader of the school's 4-H Club, Major Christine Wright, and Agricultural Science Teacher of the St. Mary Technical High School, Captain...

St. Thomas Hill-View Kinder Preparatory was the school to beat at the recent St. Thomas 4-H Clubs Parish Achievement Day, which was held at the Seaforth High School campus. The institution, located in Morant Bay, copped most of the competitive events at the annual exposition, which showcases the best of youth in agriculture. The school retained the top spots in...

The new gamma irradiation machine to be installed at the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) is expected to strengthen agricultural output, particularly for coconuts. Director General of the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA), Dr. Cliff Riley, said the mutation breeding programme for coconuts will increase significantly. “The irradiator should be at ICENS in a couple of months....