AT the heart of Guyana’s push to modernise livestock production and promote sustainable agriculture is a quiet but formidable force: Yannick Matthew Roberts, Senior Research Assistant with the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

In the new year, Roberts will step into a pivotal role at the Ebini Livestock Station along the Berbice River, the country’s hub for large-scale cattle breeding.

There, he will focus on advancing pasture management and boosting livestock productivity, contributing directly to the nation’s agricultural development.

Roberts’ path to this role is a testament to determination, adaptability and a deep-seated passion for agriculture.

A city boy from Bourda, he originally envisioned a career in sports science, a field that was not available in Guyana at the time.

“I didn’t even know that this kind of career was possible for me,” he reflects. Yet life charted its own course.

Drawn to agriculture through early influences from his grandparents—his grandfather, a forester, and his grandmother, a devoted gardener—Roberts developed a fascination for the rhythms of nature and the care of animals.

He pursued a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy in Cuba, and later earned a master’s degree in Forage Management in the United States, where he conducted forage variety trials, and immersed himself in scientific research.

“As a researcher, I would read numerous scientific journals about pastures and forage management, and try to adapt these technologies to Guyana,” he says.

Guided by a commitment to advancing production, enhancing sustainability and mitigating the effects of climate change, Roberts has spent his career turning research into practical solutions for local farmers.

Professionally, Roberts’ journey has taken him across Guyana. He spent five years in Region One (Barima-Waini), including three as a Livestock Coordinator, before serving as a Livestock Extension Officer in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

In these roles, he provided hands-on support in livestock production, sustainable agriculture and agricultural economics, helping farmers adopt improved practices.

Today, his work is shifting towards pasture management, a critical component of GLDA’s mission to strengthen livestock systems nationwide.

Beyond agriculture, Roberts has a rich personal story. A former national athlete, he represented Guyana in swimming at the World Games in Melbourne, Australia, and competed in karate at the Pan American Games.

He also channels his creativity into farmer education initiatives and design projects, demonstrating a versatility that extends beyond the research ‘lab’ and pasture.

Family and personal growth remain central to Roberts’ journey. As the first-born of three siblings, he fondly recalls holidays in Bartica with his grandparents, where his appreciation for nature and animals first took root.

“At first, I wasn’t interested in agriculture,” he admits. “But, over time, I grew to love this work, and realised I could achieve my personal goals while contributing to my country.”

Roberts’ work is part of a broader strategy led by GLDA to improve pasture management and livestock productivity nation-wide.

Through technical training, extension services, and strategic partnerships, including with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), GLDA provides guidance on suitable grasses, pasture husbandry, improved animal nutrition, and sustainable systems that enhance market access for beef, dairy, and small ruminants.

Workshops and advisory services help farmers optimise grazing, establish better pastures and maximise nutrient intake while reducing production costs.

Feed analysis and ration formulation further support livestock health, and model farms in regions like the Rupununi demonstrate best practices for pasture and livestock systems.

Initiatives such as the “Clean Milk Initiative” integrate pasture management with higher production standards, promoting both sustainability and economic growth.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Limited pastureland, the need for more efficient management systems, and the need to improve feed quality are ongoing concerns. Yet the combined efforts of GLDA and professionals like Roberts signal a promising trajectory for Guyana’s livestock sector.

At 36, Yannick Roberts embodies dedication and innovation. Soft-spoken yet resolute, he is recognised for his intelligence, creativity and unwavering commitment to advancing agriculture in Guyana.

“There is no other place I would rather be,” he says, reflecting on his journey from a curious city boy to a respected researcher and extension officer.

As he prepares to assume his new role at the Ebini Livestock Station, Roberts’ story resonates beyond personal achievement—it reflects the growing potential of Guyana’s agricultural sector, where passion, science and innovation converge to build a sustainable future for farmers and livestock alike.