Local farmers have already purchased their selections from a herd of cattle recently imported by the Cayman Islands Agricultural Society (CIAS), which are being used to supplement the beef produced by their small herds.

CIAS President George Smith said a Cayman Islands Government grant of $112,000 funded the purchase and shipment of the 60 animals – the first such undertaking for several years.

The CIAS sourced them from a ranch in south Florida. Following a one-month quarantine in the United States, lab tests and other stringent requirements, the cattle arrived in the Cayman Islands on a commercial shipping vessel – accompanied by a handler from the United States.

Three types were imported: some are Angus cattle, commonly bred for beef production, some are Simmental cattle, a breed originating in Switzerland; and others are Brangus, a popular cross-breed between Angus and Brahman.

Once landed, the steers were held at the Cayman Islands Agriculture Department, where the Department of the Environment controlled their feeding. After inspecting them, most of the 37 local ranchers opted to buy an animal or two. The 60 steers were purchased at a cost of $1,235 each.
Minister responsible for Agriculture the Hon. Kurt Tibbetts welcomed the timely arrival of the animals, saying, “The positive effects will continue, for while this herd was imported specifically for meat purposes, the funds raised from the sales will be used by the CIAS to import breeder cattle in the New Year.”

Mr. Smith thanked Government for its continued support of the agriculture sector. Speaking of the growing recognition of the high quality of local meat, he added that local ranchers use a process which improves the quality of the beef sold to consumers. CIAS members confirm the 60 imports are already receiving the same “Cayman Kind” treatment as local calves that have already been “fattened” and prepared to meet the traditional high demand for fresh local beef at Christmas.

North Side farmer (and CIAS 2ndVice-President) Geoffry Ebanks explains that this process encompasses the type of feeds, the unique quality of local guinea grass on which they graze, and even the quality of their water.

Both men confirm that feedback from local butchers and consumers has been extremely positive and extended even to those animals which are imported and kept in these local conditions for a time.

Credits: GIS Information Officer Lennon Christian
1.Photo: (L-R) Director of Agriculture Adrian Estwick, CIAS President George Smith and North Side farmer (and CIAS 2nd Vice-President) Geoffry Ebanks view the animals.
2.Some of the 60 head of steer.
3.Farmer Geoffry Ebanks welcomed the shipment of animals.