MAY PEN, Clarendon — What started as a small backyard poultry farm with 25 birds has evolved into a life-changing agro-business that relies heavily on technological advancements and innovation.

Operated in May Pen since 2014 by owner Orlando Parkes, Brinique Livestock Enterprise can now accommodate up to 4,000 birds at a time.

However, current extreme weather conditions plus experts’ prediction of even hotter days within the next three months have caused Parkes to scale back his operations to 2,500 birds.

Parkes has harnessed tech to provide the fowls with relief during hot days that have become more frequent as a result of climate change

“Through the use of environmental control systems, we are able to monitor the temperature with smart ventilated fans. If the temperature rises or falls the switches control the ventilation. During brooding, we have to monitor the temperatures of the birds because they grow best at regulated temperatures and it’s not standard for the entire flock,” he explained.

“Climate change is real, and we take it seriously because the investments we have made over the last few years are not minimal. The only way to control the heat is through technology and so the ventilation system and the digital thermometer help us to effectively monitor and control the space,” Parkes added.

Also included in the operations is an automatic watering system that ensures the birds have constant access to clean water. This reduces labour, minimises waste, and supports uniform growth across flocks.

In addition, with the help of an engineer, Brinique Livestock has calibrated and customised a de-feathering machine that cleans up to 10 birds at a time.

Parkes said the additions were necessary to improve working conditions.

“I believe in working smarter and not harder and these technological advancements have significantly enhanced our operations. I would usually have to go in and body-feel the heat and decide if it’s too hot or too cold depending on the stage of growth they are at and that is not always accurate,” he said, adding that a solar system is to be installed soon.

Parkes complements the high-tech solutions being used on the farm with a number of all-natural remedies.

“During the heat we ensure we use glucose and ice to keep them cool. In addition to that, we have included carrots and cucumber to the watering system, especially now that we are in the peak of the summer months; and that really helps to cool the birds,” Parkes told the Jamaica Observer.

“Many small poultry farms are highly labour intensive and so the inclusion of certain technological advancements into our operations not only gives us an edge with suppliers, but it also enhances the quality of our products. Our service standards speak to premium, organic, and healthy products to supply the market, so we don’t use the manufactured medicines. We keep it 100 per cent natural at Brinique Livestock Enterprise,” he boasted.

This approach has paid off and he recently copped two awards from the Rural Youth Economic Empowerment Programme (RYEEP) programme — one for innovation in agriculture, which stemmed from the automated systems such as the heat control, digital record keeping and sustainable practices. The other was the livestock excellence award for outstanding performance and leadership style which looked at the high standards under which the animals are reared, their welfare, biosecurity, and consistency in delivering finished products to the market.

“Food safety is a core part of our operations. Jamaicans are large consumers of poultry and poultry-based products so food safety is not optional, it’s a must; and it’s essential for protecting public health and maintaining customer trust,” said Parkes.

“As a young entrepreneur, I’ve learnt that success doesn’t come from the size and capital alone, but the consistency and resilience. Learn before you leap, treat whatever you’re investing in as a business and not a hustle. Oftentimes that’s where persons fail, because of the hustling mentality. Nothing is wrong with hustling but you have to streamline your operations and prioritise your business. Start small and grow in stages. Always be prepared for setbacks and learn to use technology. The future for youth in agriculture is bright, you just have to be committed and be patient. If you’re willing to learn, poultry farming can change your life,” he advised.

However, Parkes has one major area of concern: he would like to see easier access to funding for small businesses like his.

“We would welcome any grant funding, we need financial support and so we have been trying to access an agri-biz loan or a grant through the Development Bank of Jamaica; but it’s not as easy as they make it seem. It’s not as accessible and so any assistance we get would be greatly appreciated,” Parkes appealed.