Miss World Belize- The Farmer

Where did my passion for agriculture come from?

My grandmother and grandfather moved to Biscayne Village, establishing a farm with their children and grandchildren in mind. While I spent my childhood in Belize City, I spent many of my vacations up at the farm where I bottle fed baby calves and witnessed my grandparents work side by side. At the age of 12, my grandfather had a stroke, and my mother and I took on the task of moving up to the farm and fully taking over. Two city girls had to suddenly become two farm girls. Over the several years of experience that we have gathered, we now care for a number of cattle, chickens, ducks, horses and bees, as well as the crops in our garden.

10 years later

After spending 11 years managing the farm, I can now proudly say that I focus on the healthcare and management of the animals. I am now able to Vaccinate and administer medication to animals when needed, assist with births, and diagnose certain diseases for my animals and for my neighbor’s animals. During the dry season, I spend my time educating neighbors about maintaining proper nutrition, and aid in administering vitamins and de-wormers for animals. The humane treatment of animals is very important to me; therefore, I teach others on how to properly care for animals while also increasing production.

Why is agriculture important?

Agriculture is important, because it is how we are all able to enjoy a plate of food and supply our bodies with the nutrition it needs. Without farmers, we would not have the meat, greens or seasonings we need to make a meal. Agriculture not only provide food, but it is also a great source of a nation’s income and employment. I strongly believe that an investment in agriculture is an investment in our future and our food security. As Miss World Belize and a farmer, I have visited many schools to promote a career and investment in students of the agriculture sector for this reason. The love of agriculture was instilled in me from a young age and has been imbedded so deeply that I want to share that experience with others. This is why I love having children on the farm to see and learn about the animals and where their food comes from. It is also why I love working with schools and helping with their gardens.

I love my farm, my farm animals and my mom who is always by my side to help with it all. As a 3^rd generation farmer, agriculture runs in my veins. I see the necessity in wiping away all stigmas that comes along with being a farmer and replacing them with passion, respect and understanding of a Farmer’s importance, and with the platform I have been given, there is no better time to do so than now!