Steven Low-A-Chee’s journey from salesmanship to sustainable livestock leadership

ON the Soesdyke–Linden Highway at Badrima Village en route to Laluni lies S&M Farm, one of Guyana’s largest and most advanced swine operations. Owned and managed by Mr. Steven Low-A-Chee, the farm has become a beacon of modern livestock production, blending traditional farming heritage with innovation, biosecurity, and environmentally friendly practices.

Low-A-Chee did not begin his career directly in farming. Before returning to agriculture, he ventured into salesmanship. Yet the pull of his family’s farming legacy proved too strong. His father, who began swine farming in 1979, laid the foundation for what would later become one of the country’s most successful livestock enterprises. “I grew up surrounded by pigs, watching my father work hard. Eventually, I knew I wanted to take it further,” Low-A-Chee reflected.

Overcoming Early Challenges

The initial stages of farm development were difficult. High mortality rates and weak pedigree lines posed major setbacks. Determined to raise the standard of his herd, Low-A-Chee turned to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) for technical advisory services. With their support, he was able to import Topig 40 pedigree breeding stock from neighbouring Suriname, a move that transformed the productivity and quality of his drove.

Since 2013, he has renewed his import permits multiple times, doubling his stock and accelerating production. Today, S&M Farm manages 1,500 pigs on 87 acres, producing approximately 22 pigs weekly to supply supermarkets such as Bounty and Rossignol Butchery. At peak demand periods, such as Christmas, the farm prepares as many as 200 pigs for slaughter.

Low-A-Chee explained that while his farm has other breeds, including Duroc, the Topig 40 breed was chosen for its rapid growth and superior carcass quality. Within four and a half months, pigs reach market weights of 160–165 pounds. “This breed changed everything for us,” he said.

Biosecurity and Technological Advancements

Low-A-Chee is a firm advocate of biosecurity, noting that it is central to the farm’s resilience and growth. Strict disease-prevention protocols have helped reduce losses, while continued engagement with GLDA in training, research, and on-farm support has ensured operations align with global best practices.

Recent technological upgrades include the introduction of farrowing crates, gifted by the Ministry of Agriculture through GLDA. These crates have drastically reduced piglet mortality rates by protecting newborns during the critical early days after birth. The farm also utilises gestation crates for pregnant sows, ensuring optimal care and protection for the unborn piglets.

Looking ahead, S&M Farm is preparing to introduce swine artificial insemination, which will further improve genetic quality and productivity.

An Integrated Livestock Model

S&M Farm is not limited to swine. It operates as a fully integrated livestock system, including 200 Black Belly sheep (with plans to expand to 400 mothers), 20 feeding bulls, and 7,500 broilers reared exclusively for Bounty Supermarket.

The farm has also ventured into cultivating high-value crops. In partnership with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Low-A-Chee was gifted 50 dragon fruit plants, which are now being prepared for commercial cultivation.

Importantly, the farm follows an eco-friendly approach. Native tree species are preserved to provide natural shade and reduce heat stress, while an efficient waste management system supports the development of pasture for ruminants and perennial crops. This makes S&M Farm not only a commercial enterprise but also a model of environmentally responsible agriculture.

Feed Innovation and Cost Efficiency

To reduce operational costs and guarantee quality, Low-A-Chee formulates his own feed mixtures. This innovation, he explained, gives him greater control over nutritional value while cutting expenses. “The results speak for themselves,” he noted. “We see healthier animals, better growth rates, and lower costs.”

Partnership with GLDA and Government Support

Low-A-Chee acknowledges that his farm’s progress would not have been possible without continuous collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture through GLDA. He credited the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Walrond; the Quarantine, Inspection, and Certification Unit, led by Dr Tihul; as well as the Region Four Extension Team, including Dr Nauth (veterinarian) and Mr Bhagwandin (Livestock Officer), for their unwavering support.

“I am very grateful for the partnership with GLDA,” he emphasised. “Their technical guidance and field support are key drivers of our development.”

As Guyana positions itself to not only achieve national food security but also contribute to CARICOM’s food safety and security agenda, Low-A-Chee is proud to play his part.

Looking to the Future

S&M Farm currently employs 12 permanent workers and is managed in close partnership with Low-A-Chee’s 19-year-old son, Matthew. The farm’s future vision is ambitious: doubling the pig stock to 3,000 by 2026, modernising with automatic feeders, and developing an on-site facility for ham and bacon production. Plans also include establishing a butchery and securing electricity from the emerging Silica City, as the current reliance on generators remains costly.

For Low-A-Chee, S&M Farm is more than just a business. It is a model of resilience, innovation, and sustainable agriculture—one that reflects Guyana’s vision of a modern livestock industry. “We are not only producing for Guyana,” he said with pride. “We are building a system that supports regional food security, and we are doing it in a way that protects our environment and creates opportunities for future generations.”