DOWN a narrow one-lane street in Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, sits a neat, cosy home decorated with pots of vibrant plants and greenery. At first glance, you’d think it’s just another charming suburban residence. But step beyond the yard and you’ll discover something remarkable — New Springs Farm, a state-of-the-art swine facility run by a woman who has turned her passion into a thriving agribusiness.

Her name is Colette Josiah-Rodney. Once a respected teacher, Colette made a bold shift from the chalkboard to the farmyard. For her, it wasn’t simply a career change but a calling inspired by family. After her mother, one of the East Coast’s most dedicated midwives, retired from delivering babies safely for over 40 years, the family began exploring new ventures.

While poultry was the first idea, Colette chose pigs — a decision that would change her life and the lives of other farmers who now rely on her expertise.

From Teacher to Innovator

She started small, with just a few sows. But with her educator’s mindset, Colette was determined to do things differently. Instead of sticking to traditional methods, she embraced modern technology.

With the support of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), she utilised Artificial Insemination (AI) to expand her herd and enhance the genetics of her animals.

The results were remarkable. From one sow, she produced 19 piglets using AI — a success that quickly expanded her herd.

For Colette, AI is more than just a breeding tool; it is a smart business choice. By relying on AI, she avoids the high operational costs of maintaining breeding boars year-round, while still accessing top-tier genetics.

“It saves money, improves my animals, and gives me flexibility in planning,” she explained. AI also reduces disease risks and ensures she can introduce diverse, superior traits into her herd without the expense of importing live animals.

Raising Standards in Swine Farming

That success set the tone for her farm. Today, New Springs Farm is not only a source of wholesome pork but also a trusted breeding facility. Farmers from across the region look to Colette for animals with superior genetics at affordable prices.

And true to her teaching roots, she is always ready to share knowledge — whether it’s about AI, waste management, or feed innovation — so that others can improve their own operations.

A key part of her management system includes gestational and farrowing crates, which she carefully invested in and now also retails for other farmers.

Gestational crates allow her to monitor pregnant sows closely, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and care during pregnancy. Farrowing crates, on the other hand, provide a safe space for sows to deliver their piglets while minimising the risk of crushing newborns — a common challenge in swine production.

For Colette, these tools are not just about efficiency but about animal welfare and survival rates. “It makes the difference between losing piglets and raising healthy litters,” she explained.

Efficiency Meets Sustainability

What makes New Springs Farm stand out is how it combines efficiency with sustainability. The pens are equipped with automatic feeders and water systems, ensuring the pigs are always well-fed and hydrated without wasting resources.

An underground drainage system keeps the environment clean, odour-free, and safe for neighbours — a thoughtful touch given the farm’s suburban setting.

“For me, it was important that my farm doesn’t pollute or disturb anyone,” Colette said. “This system works, and it keeps everything running smoothly.”

Food safety is another area where she refuses to compromise. She uses only minimal antibiotics, never sells sick animals, and carefully observes withdrawal periods before selling or slaughtering any pig. In fact, she reserves slaughtering mainly for Christmas — her busiest season — or on demand by customers, giving her more time to focus on breeding and genetics.

A Family Venture with an Eye on the Future

Her drive for innovation doesn’t stop there. Alongside her husband and family, Colette has developed a specialised feed formula that has already shown excellent results in weight gain and meat quality. With her eye on the future, she plans to produce this feed commercially, giving other pig farmers access to a locally developed formula that works.

Despite being tucked away in a suburban community, New Springs Farm has become a shining example of how technology and innovation can transform agriculture.

For Colette, it’s not just about raising pigs — it’s about raising the standard of farming. And as a woman leading the charge in an industry traditionally dominated by men, she’s also breaking barriers and inspiring others.

“When I started, I wanted a business that allowed me to care for my mother while still being productive,” she reflected. “But it became so much more. Today, I’m proud that New Springs Farm is trusted, that our pigs are known for their genetics, and that we’re proving women can drive modern agriculture forward.”

From classroom chalk to farmyard mud, Colette Josiah-Rodney’s journey is a story of vision, persistence, and empowerment. With each season, New Springs Farm grows stronger — and so does the message that with innovation, women in agriculture can achieve anything.