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Albert Mereigh is a late-comer to the poultry sector. After a career in the insurance industry, Albert turned to chickens as a source of income at the age of 54.
His 260-layer operation at Beauregard near Birch Grove, St. Andrew became operational in May. He sees great potential for the poultry industry, both for layers and broilers, and has hopes of expanding the farm to include broilers. A family run operation, Albert is assisted by his wife and three children. The 24 foot by 24 foot poultry pen is located near the family home.
“I am home all the time and this seemed like a good investment,” he told GAIS in a recent interview.
He spends at least four hours a day ensuring the operation runs smoothly, keeping the pens sanitary and collecting approximately 49 trays (30 eggs each) weekly, which are marketed through local shops, supermarkets, the Grenville Market Square and sometimes out of the trunk of his car. The pen manure is sold to neighbouring farmers.
Albert established his poultry operation with a $19,000 AEDP loan. He was approved for $33,000 and intends to expand the pen to 60 by 24 feet; however he is hesitant since he worries about markets. He purchased watering and other equipment at reduced rates through the Grenada Association of Poultry Producers, and hopes the Association’s plans to market eggs will materialize.
At least one farm has no labour problems. Of the 380 plus inmates at the Richmond Hill Prison, about 40 are employed taking care of 250 turkeys, 700 layers and 500 broilers, plus rabbits, goats, cattle, pigs and vegetable crops on the 10-acre farm. The food is used to feed inmates; however citizens make purchases on a “if you want it you come for it” system, Senior Prison Officer Francis Johnson said.
Inmates are selected for farm work based on medical conditions and previous experience.
“The idea is that when released, they can contribute to society by working in agriculture,” Officer Johnson said. One young inmate told GAIS he hopes to work on a farm.
“I enjoy dealing with chickens. I never thought I would but I realise the commercial value. I hope to use my experience here as a stepping stone when I get out,” he said.
St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine has “adopted” the farm, taking care of medical issues. Commissioner Wesley Beggs said despite setbacks from Hurricane Ivan, the farm has attained 60 % self-sufficiency, up from 40 % in 2003.
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