Barbadians interested in agriculture would do well not to miss the last day of Agrofest 2011 today. From livestock to produce; from flowers to fruit trees: they are all there in Queen’s Park, The City.
As well there are art pieces and craft, clothing and jewellery, and – all for sale.
Yesterday marked the second day of the three-day agricultural festival.
It featured the anticipated livestock competition that saw cows and sheep vying for the title of Best In Class and Best In Show.
There was some excitement during the cattle competitions, as handlers struggled to control their massive animals, which seemed to have minds of their own.
This prompted one of the judges to comment on the importance of familiarizing animals to being handled at least six weeks prior to competition.
There were some heart-stopping moments in the yearling beef bulls competition when one of the larger animals broke away from its handler. However, instead of making a dash for freedom, it instead sought to mount a neighbouring bull, sparking colourful comments from the crowd.
The highly offended bovine neighbour decided this was too much and it too tried to break away, which caused the people under the judges’ tent to beat a hasty retreat.
After all the judging had been completed, one stood above all. It was not, however, a bull at all, as heifer Suck Tongue, with owner Barry Bishop, took Best In Show.
Barbados Dairy & Beef Producers Association president Paul Davis said he was happy with the quality of the beef cattle, but that the dairy participants were “a bit weak”, as there was a lot less labour available on the dairy farms.
Agrofest partner the Rural Development Commission (RDC) again had a strong presence at the festival, with many of the tents in the centre of the field sponsored by the commission.
Acting public relations officer Wendy Burke said the RDC had 115 clients this year, up from 100 last year, for whom all equipment was provided.
“All the people have to do is come and vend,” she said, adding the clients dealt in produce, plants, agro-processing, aquarium fish and the like.
Burke said demand had increased so much, the commission had to turn people away.
The Ministry of Agriculture also had a tent that included various displays, and a well attended agro-forum that included a plant diagnostic clinic.
The Queen’s Park Steel Shed was transformed into an aviary with parrots, pigeons, chickens and cockatoos in every direction.
It was also a good day for juice, ice cream and sno-cone vendors, people crowding around them for a tasty treat to beat the heat. (CA)
