No backup

Some dairy farmers impacted by loss of power during Hurricane Elsa

THE power outage caused by Hurricane Elsa has significantly impacted some dairy farmers who lacked adequate backup generators. This resulted in the loss of over 13,000 litres of milk in one day.

This information was disclosed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul, on Tuesday.

The disruption of electrical service to local customers and farmers was caused by the passage of Category 1 Hurricane Elsa on July 2. 

Paul explained that some farms were able to use their backup generators to maintain operations, but others were not that fortunate. He noted that cows must be milked morning and evening as scheduled. If this does not occur, the animals are at risk of mastitis, or inflammation of the breast tissue. The BAS CEO said that for some farmers, the backup generator arrangement failed as it was faulty.

Paul stressed that milk is a very delicate commodity and there are specific standards that must be adhered to within the sector. He cited the possible exposure to disease if it is violated.

A need for more planning

Due to the lack of electricity and backup generators, the BAS head is calling for more planning by farmers to ensure that the situation does not occur again. He indicated that the organisation will be seeking to assist farmers who need backup generators for their operations.

Paul said that Barbados is in the very early stages of the hurricane season and it is important to help farmers prepare for pending weather systems.

Poultry farmers report impact too

The recent weather system also affected poultry farmers and their production. Paul noted that some farm animals are sheltered in accommodation that may be vulnerable to storms and hurricanes. He explained in some cases, farmers may have been impacted by faulty roofs and loss of electricity. In one situation, one livestock owner lost 12,000 layer chickens.

“The laying schedule has been affected and that farmer will lose some revenue,” said Paul.

He added another farmer lost about a quarter of poultry livestock because of the recent severe weather. Despite these adverse effects, Paul does not anticipate a major fallout in the agricultural sector. He told The Barbados Advocate that the current market is already depressed at the moment, but the people who are producing agricultural goods should be able to cater to market demand.

“There is no need to feel that [Barbados] will suffer any shortage as a result of [Hurricane Elsa],” said Paul.

It’s too soon

For farmers who grow fruits and vegetables, the impact is yet to be determined.

Paul explained that while it is expected that the vegetable farmers will be affected by Hurricane Elsa, it was too soon to say what that impact will be. He noted that the high winds can dislodged blossoms and some crops can become waterlogged, but the circumstances can change.

The BAS CEO noted that one farmer lost some blossoms and this will delay the harvest as more blossoms grow back. Paul added similarly, with crops that are underwater, it will take some time before farmers can see the effects of the flooding. He said he was aware of some areas like Gibbons Boggs and Spring Hall Landing project where drainage is inadequate or problematic.

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