-Prem Ramsaywack highlights his innovative, resilient, entrepreneurial spirit
IN the quiet agricultural community of Number 46 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, a young farmer is steadily transforming his passion for livestock into a model of innovation, resilience, and agricultural entrepreneurship.
At only 25 years old, Prem Ramsaywack has emerged as one of Region Six’s promising small ruminant breeders, demonstrating how youth involvement, scientific livestock management, and institutional support can contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s rapidly expanding agriculture sector.
Ramsaywack’s journey into professional sheep breeding began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a period that disrupted many traditional economic activities across Guyana.
An avid horse racing enthusiast at the time, he had invested heavily in racehorses and the sport itself. However, with horse racing temporarily halted during the pandemic, he was compelled to seek alternative avenues for income generation and long-term investment.
Coming from a family deeply rooted in livestock farming, the transition into small ruminant production was both natural and strategic.
Raised around cattle, sheep, and goats, Ramsaywack was exposed from an early age to the discipline, sacrifice, and commitment required for successful farming.
His father, a cattle farmer who also reared small ruminants and dairy cows, played a significant role in shaping his appreciation for quality livestock production and animal husbandry.
Interestingly, Ramsaywack’s passion for agriculture was also nurtured academically. He was an outstanding Agriculture Science student at Berbice High School and demonstrated a keen interest in livestock production from an early age.
Although circumstances beyond his control prevented him from completing his formal studies and graduating, he never allowed that setback to define his future or limit his ambitions.
Instead, he channeled his energy into practical farming, continuously learning through experience, observation, and technical training.
Today, he strongly believes that while traditional farming knowledge remains invaluable, the future of Guyana’s livestock industry depends on the successful fusion of traditional practices with scientific and technical innovation.
According to Ramsaywack, modern agriculture requires farmers to be adaptable, informed, and willing to embrace improved production systems.
Starting modestly with only two pregnant Dorper ewes, Ramsaywack gradually developed a breeding programme focused on genetic quality rather than quantity.
Today, he maintains a carefully managed core flock consisting of 25 breeding ewes and one high-quality breeding ram, supported by replacement stock that ensures continuity and genetic improvement within the herd.
His operation aligns closely with the Government of Guyana’s broader agricultural diversification agenda under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Administration, which has placed significant emphasis on strengthening national food security, increasing livestock production, and advancing the development of the small ruminant industry.
Through targeted investments, technical extension services, and farmer support programmes, the government has encouraged young entrepreneurs to enter agriculture and contribute to Guyana’s ambition of becoming a major regional food producer.
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION
For Ramsaywack, sheep breeding is not merely a business venture, but a strategic contribution to the country’s food production capacity.
His primary focus is the breeding of high-quality cross-bred animals using the Dorper sheep, a breed widely recognised for its adaptability, rapid growth, and meat production characteristics.
He explained that his ultimate ambition is to become one of the leading private small ruminant breeders in Region Six while contributing significantly to the growth and professionalisation of the industry in Berbice.
Prem’s passion for Dorper cross-bred sheep stems largely from a desire to support farmers and consumers alike by improving access to quality breeding stock and increasing the local supply of affordable mutton.
According to Ramsaywack, there remains substantial opportunity within Guyana’s livestock sector for young entrepreneurs willing to invest in efficient breeding systems and modern farm management practices.
“As a young entrepreneur, I see tremendous opportunity in supplying quality food for both the local and regional markets through breeding programmes that focus on productivity, genetics and sustainability,” he noted.
GLDA ASSISTANCE
A critical component of his success has been the adoption of improved feeding and pasture management systems.
Ramsaywack places strong emphasis on nutrition, maintaining a feeding regime that consists of approximately 60 per cent forage, complemented by carefully formulated supplemental rations incorporating locally available feed resources. These include rice bran and molasses-urea blocks, all of which contribute to reducing dependency on imported feed materials while improving overall production efficiency.
Recognising the importance of scientific feeding practices, Ramsaywack works closely with nutrition specialists attached to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), particularly through the agency’s Nutrition Laboratory located at Mon Repos.
Through this collaboration, he has been able to refine supplemental feeding strategies tailored specifically to the nutritional requirements of his flock.
As a young farmer, Ramsaywack openly acknowledged the critical role that institutions such as the GLDA play in supporting the growth and sustainability of Guyana’s livestock industry.
He believes agencies like the GLDA are indispensable in helping young farmers gain access to technical expertise, scientific guidance, and practical support needed to modernise agriculture.
He explained that young farmers often possess passion and determination but require technical direction and institutional support to maximize their potential and avoid costly mistakes.
One of the most significant challenges facing his expanding operation was the establishment of adequate pasture to sustain a growing number of animals.
Initially attempting to develop the pasture independently, Ramsaywack encountered several difficulties related to soil suitability and forage establishment.
Recognising the importance of proper pasture management to the long-term sustainability of his operation, he reached out directly to Dr. Dwight Walrond, Chief Executive Officer of the
GLDA. According to Ramsaywack, support was rendered without delay.
Under the guidance of the GLDA’s technical team headed by Mr. Norbert Felix, Livestock Officer responsible for pasture development, Ramsaywack was able to transform five house lots acquired during the third quarter of 2025 into productive grazing land.
The development programme incorporated forage species including Pangola grass, Tanner grass, Antelope grass, and African Star grass, all selected for their adaptability to Guyana’s climatic conditions and their high nutritional value for ruminants.
Ramsaywack expressed deep appreciation for the professional guidance and technical support provided by the GLDA throughout the process.
He noted that the intervention not only resolved his pasture challenges but also exposed him to practical knowledge in forage establishment, soil preparation, and sustainable livestock management.
For him, pasture management has become one of the most critical aspects of his farming operation because of the central role forage plays within his feeding programme.
The establishment of quality pasture has significantly enhanced the farm’s productivity while reducing feeding costs and dependence on imported feed materials.
“The support from GLDA has been exceptional. The process taught me a great deal about pasture management, nutrition, and proper livestock systems. The pasture we established is now helping to move the farm toward becoming more efficient, more productive, and less dependent on imported feeding materials,” he explained.
He further highlighted the valuable extension support he continues to receive from the Region Six extension team headed by Ms. Shellon David, noting that extension officers play a vital role in the continued development and monitoring of livestock farms within the region.
Like many progressive breeders, Ramsaywack also pays close attention to genetic management and inbreeding prevention.
Following each lambing season, lambs are immediately separated at the weaning stage, typically around three months of age to prevent uncontrolled breeding.
Young rams are then carefully evaluated and prepared for sale to farmers, including customers from as far as the Essequibo Coast in Region Two.
To maintain high genetic standards within the flock, breeding rams are only utilised for two mating seasons before replacement.
This management practice ensures continued improvement in carcass quality, growth performance, and overall herd productivity.
The farm currently experiences two lambing seasons annually, allowing for consistent production and steady supply to the market. Ramsaywack’s elevated housing system for the sheep also reflects his focus on efficient management and adaptation to Guyana’s tropical climate.
Elevated pens not only maximise the use of limited land space but also improve drainage, ventilation, and animal health.
His commitment to excellence has already earned him national recognition. During the Annual Small Ruminant Expo hosted by the GLDA at Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice, Ramsaywack captured the prestigious Best Replacement Ram title, an achievement he described as one of the proudest moments in his farming career.
For him, the experience of participating at the Annual Small Ruminant Expo was excellent since it allowed him the opportunity to market his animals and network with other farmers and breeders.
He is looking forward to this year’s competition and is working ardently to secure the title as champion breeder.
With evident pride, he reflected on the significance of the award and the motivation it has provided for continued improvement within his breeding programme.
Looking ahead, Ramsaywack is preparing to further diversify and expand his operation. He disclosed that he is eagerly looking forward to incorporating the Barbados Black Belly sheep into his breeding programme as part of efforts to improve adaptability and genetic diversity within his flock.
Additionally, as part of his long-term expansion strategy, he intends to venture aggressively into Boer goat farming, another area he believes holds strong commercial potential within Guyana’s evolving livestock industry.
Beyond his personal ambitions, Ramsaywack is also encouraging more young people to pursue careers in agriculture and agribusiness.
He believes Guyana’s rapidly expanding Oil and Gas economy will create sustained demand for food production and agricultural products, thereby opening significant economic opportunities for farmers and agro-processors.
He further noted that the policies implemented under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government continue to create an enabling environment for youth entrepreneurship and agricultural development.
According to Ramsaywack, agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors for young Guyanese seeking long-term economic opportunities, particularly in livestock production where local and regional demand continues to expand steadily.
The story of Prem Ramsaywack represents more than the success of a single farmer; it reflects the growing transformation taking place within Guyana’s livestock sector.
Through strategic government support, access to technical expertise, and the dedication of young agricultural entrepreneurs, the country’s small ruminant industry is steadily positioning itself as an important contributor to food security, rural economic growth, and regional agricultural development.
For Ramsaywack, however, the journey is only beginning. Armed with determination, technical knowledge, and a passion for livestock breeding, he remains focused on building a sustainable enterprise capable of supplying high-quality breeding stock and supporting the continued advancement of Guyana’s agricultural sector for years to come.
