Paul A. Bodden walked away with Minister’s Award for Most Outstanding Farmer of the Year at the 45th Agriculture Society Awards evening held at the Stacy Watler Pavilion in Lower Valley this past Saturday.

The trophy was presented to Mr. Bodden by Speaker of the House Hon. Mary Lawrence in front of his family members and about 80 other members of the agricultural community. Also in attendance was MLA Mr. Anthony Eden. Representing the Deputy Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly and Chief Officer Mr. Alan Jones of the Ministry of District Administration, Works, Lands & Agriculture was Acting Deputy Mr. Jonathan Jackson, Director of Agriculture Mr. Adrian Estwick and President of Cayman Islands Agriculture Society Mr. Errol Watler.

The awards night recognised participants at the 45th Annual Agriculture Show, which was held on 22 February.

Mr. Bodden also received other awards: Livestock Farmer of the Year – Grand Cayman; Champion Exhibitor – Livestock Farmer, Best Sow; Champion Exhibitor – Cattle and Champion Exhibitor – Pigs – second place.

Mr. Kent Rankin captured the top Crop Farmer of the Year and was runner up as Top Livestock Farmer and Champion Exhibitor – Pigs.
Deputy Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly congratulated all the farmers for their hard work, determination, consistency in delivering good produce and their continuous efforts to improve the agriculture sector.

“Mr. Bodden has been one of Grand Cayman’s leading cattle farmers for many years. In the past few years, he has expanded his herds and is now the largest cattle farmer on the island as well as one of the leading pig producers. His achievements have not only been in the scope of his production, but more so in his relentless drive to improve the quality of his stock through better livestock genetics and feeding,” the Deputy Premier noted.

She also cited his willingness to share his knowledge and expertise, particularly to help younger and newer livestock farmers.

Ms O’Conner-Connolly also praised Mr. Rankin for his drive for excellence. “He continues to be one of the largest and most successful crop farmers on the island. He operates the largest shade house production facility in the Cayman Islands, producing a variety of high quality vegetable crops including tomatoes, sweet peppers and cucumbers. In fact, during the peak of this year’s production, Mr. Rankin was averaging in excess of 2000 pounds of high quality slicing tomatoes per week,” she reminded the gathering.

A total of 31 trophies were awarded to farmers and exhibitors in crops and art and craft. Additionally, 14 individuals were recognised for their contributions to the Department of Agriculture. Three Districts, seven Corporate Service and six Exhibitor awards were presented.

Mr. Elio Clarke dominated the Rodeo Awards, including that of Champion Wrangler. Bodden Town took first place in the district category. Mr. Hamil Stephenson was cited as Most Improved Crop Farmer and Mr. Jose Bodden the Most Improved Livestock Farmer. Mr. Carton West took first place honours for Home Products and Mr. William Ebanks had similar honours for Roots, Tubers, Fruits, Nuts and Grains.  Mrs. Colleen Gibson was tops in Handcraft.

Five-year-old Master Areon Anglin was awarded as the Youngest Farmer at the Show and placed third as Champion Exhibitor — Goats.

Ms. O’Connor-Connolly also thanked the Department of Agriculture and CIAS for their hard work. “The agriculture sector has seen tremendous improvement over the past five years due to a combination of government policies, introduction of new technologies by the department and a shift in market demand, as a result of years of active marketing and promotion of local produce and the benefits of eating locally,” she stated.

She noted that some of the changes in livestock have included the opening of an abattoir, increased livestock extension, improvements in nutrition and genetics through greater emphasis on and acceptance of artificial insemination. In crops, continued extension and education, introduction of new technologies such as shade houses and promotion of backyard production have all had a positive impact, the Deputy Premier said.

Mr. Estwick thanked everyone for their participation. “I was very impressed with quality of exhibits at the show. Overall, the support of the public in their attendance was welcomed and hopefully indicative of their interest in and support of local agriculture.”

He also congratulated and thanked the staff at the Department of Agriculture and CIAS for their “excellent contribution to ensure that the 45th Annual Agricultural Show was a huge success.”

For a complete list of awards please log on to www.cias.ky or facebook/cayman agriculture