IN Jamaica’s cut-throat agricultural scene, where triumph is measured in bushels and bountiful yields, Owen Bartley reigns supreme. Recently clinching the title of National Champion Farmer for the second-consecutive time at the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial, and Food Show in May Pen, Clarendon, Bartley’s journey is a testament to unwavering dedication and strategic prowess.

“When I heard that I won national champion farmer, oh my god, the smile from both sides of my face was at the back of my ears,” Bartley shared with a hearty laugh during an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Hailing from Unity Boer Goat Farm in Manchester, Bartley’s ascent to agricultural eminence wasn’t immediate. He embarked on his Denbigh journey in 2015, a novice in the art of exhibiting animals. Yet, through relentless determination and a hunger for improvement, Bartley honed his skills, transforming his farm into a showcase of excellence.

“I didn’t even know how to show goat properly at the time; as I watched how people show goat here and overseas, I learned, so when I go and show my goat, I try to improve better,” he shared with the Business Observer. “When I look at my animals, the way I prepare them, the way I try to get them in condition and to make sure everything is right with them, that sets me apart definitely from a lot of farmers.”

He’s no stranger to the competitive arena; Bartley boasts an impressive track record. He clinched the Jr Grand Champion Buck title and secured the coveted Champion Goat Farmer award in 2018, a feat he repeated several times thereafter, similar to the National Champion Farmer competition.

“Every year I go to Denbigh, I do better than I did the year before,” Bartley remarked, reflecting on his journey of continuous improvement.

But this winning streak is not a stroke of luck; he achieves this through meticulous record-keeping, a critical criterion for earning the title of national champion farmer. Bartley’s emphasis on record-keeping is paramount, particularly in genetic farming, where he endeavours to enhance the stock of other goat farmers. He firmly believes that many Jamaicans neglect record-keeping, which can detrimentally impact future farm management. Thus, he stresses the importance of quality record-keeping for sustainable agricultural practices.

“Every single boar I own has a birth certificate, much like humans have birth certificates. This allows us to trace their lineage back to their origins. However, when we import goats into the country, we often receive them with paperwork, but we fail to uphold the quality standards of breeding,” he said.

Bartley stresses the importance of meticulous record-keeping, particularly concerning medication administration, breeding cycles, and birth rates. He relies on a combination of tools, including a simple Excel spreadsheet and a physical book, to maintain comprehensive records of his goat farming activities.

Bartley’s journey to becoming a champion farmer is also marked by resilience. Despite his background as a boxer in England, upon returning to Jamaica, he embraced his father’s legacy of farming and received livestock to start his own venture.

“My first goat house was a fowl coop, right there down in Vere,” Bartley recalls while reflecting on his humble beginnings.

Operating two distinct goat houses, one measuring 20 by 40 feet, Bartley remains discreet about ongoing enhancements, promising exciting updates upon completion. Inspired by fellow goat farmers, Bartley’s structures have garnered admiration, often likened to a “mini hotel” by those in the know. Despite the absence of running water on his Manchester farm, Bartley relies on an 11,000-gallon water tank for catchment, a significant upgrade from the bucket system used in previous years. Additionally, Bartley has implemented a solar system with 15 panels, albeit smaller than desired, to address energy needs. Despite encountering challenges associated with ongoing improvements to his livestock and farm infrastructure, Bartley remains steadfast in encouraging others to pursue similar endeavours.

“I would tell anyone that agriculture should be one of the top careers you aspire to because food security is important, and I would encourage anyone to get into any aspect of farming,” he expressed with conviction.

The upcoming Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial, and Food Show is scheduled for August 4, 2024. While Bartley plans to attend, he’s graciously passing the baton on to other farmers whom he’s been mentoring, offering them the opportunity to vie for the prize this year.

“You can’t just want everything for yourself,” he remarked. “I’ve achieved everything I need to achieve at Denbigh; there’s nothing else at Denbigh to achieve. I want to go to just exhibit; I want to go to Denbigh differently, to show young farmers we can elevate ourselves,” he added.

Instead of competing this year, his paramount dedication is directed towards the management of his Unity Boer Farm, which specialises in the intricate field of goat genetics.

“I want to conquer the Caribbean. I want to have goats that, where we buy goats from, they want to buy from me,” he declared confidently.