With a deep love of water and a passion for animals, Tiffany Scott was pegged to take up a career in marine biology. However, the young Cayman Bracker noticed that there wasn’t a need for someone in that field, because while Grand Cayman now has two dolphin parks, they were just in their infancy, when she enrolled in university.

Ms. Scott attended Middle Tennessee State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences and Entrepreneurship. During her first year, she focused on Veterinary Sciences and later switched to Animal Science. She joined the Block and Bridle Club at the university, whose purpose is to promote a higher scholastic standard and a more complete understanding of Animal Science among student members. She credits the club with helping to prepare her to judge livestock and to train others. She trained local 4H Clubs, which are for high school students. Ms. Scott was also a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, an honour society. She plans to pursue a Masters degree in Agriculture, which she hopes to start soon.

The 23-year-old is currently employed with the Department of Agriculture (DOA) as a Livestock Extension Officer. In this role, Ms. Scott works with farmers to help improve livestock production in the Cayman Islands. She provides science-based technical advice on livestock husbandry to enhance farm productivity and works as part of the Department’s team to implement its development policies and programmes, including arranging and delivering training initiatives. It is obvious that Ms Scott is very proud of her job.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said she was pleased to see how well Ms. Scott has adapted to her role and how she is building great relationships with farmers. “I have watched her progress and value her approach and contributions to farming in the Cayman Islands,” the Minister stated.

Ms. Scott was the driving force behind the DOA hosting the first Artificial Insemination (AI) training workshop to be held on island, last year. In fact, the AI programme and embryo transfer are her passions. Both methods promote strong breeding stock by reducing inbreeding and are cheaper and safer for farmers and the animals. The goal, she says, is to produce a strong genetic stock and improve Cayman’s livestock through improved breeding technologies.

“When improving genetics in a herd, there are several options to consider. Two of the most popular methods within the Cayman Islands are importation of livestock and artificial insemination. Importation of breeding stock is a costly option. AI is preferred as well as embryo implantation because of the low cost, low risk of disease transmission and hybrid vigour,” Ms. Scott explained.

Embryo transfer is not currently being applied in local farming because it requires specialised equipment and training, but Ms. Scott is pushing for this method as an additional option to genetically improve livestock.

Chief Officer in the Ministry of District Administration, Land, Works and Agriculture, Alan Jones, who also called for more young Caymanians to be involved in agriculture said, “Tiffany is a young Caymanian who is doing a great job helping our farmers to care for their animals. She is a progressive thinker who is committed to creating a brighter future for our islands.”