Pig industry loses ‘proper’ farmer

Barbados has lost a pioneer and stalwart in the pig farming industry.

Dennis Eversley, one of this island’s well-known pig farmers who has been a champion of buying local, passed away earlier this week.

Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS) James Paul described Eversley as a trailblazer and an icon in the pig farming industry, who was always willing to innovate.

“He has had the admiration of other pig farmers in that he has been one of those farmers who has been outstanding,” said Paul.

The BAS head recalled that Eversley and his wife, who predeceased him, worked very hard and invested heavily to build their Kirtons, St Philip pig farm operation that eventually became one of the largest on the island.

“His death caused a lot of us shock [on Wednesday] when we learned that he had passed. I want to say on behalf of the association and the industry that a lot of us owe a debt of gratitude to him for what he has done for the industry. We hope that his legacy continues in that pig farm located in St Philip. We hope a lot of the work he put in is not lost to the industry,” said Paul.

“He was one of the persons who, before I entered into the BAS, played a critical role in the formation of the Barbados Pig Farmers’ Co-op Society, and even before then, he was already a member of the original BAS. We are all very saddened over the fact he has passed. And we want to signal that we have to give him the appropriate recognition,” said Paul.

After spending some time in England where he completed some studies, Eversley returned to the island and shortly after, he introduced new pig breeds to Barbados.

Eversley, was involved in pig farming since 1982.

One of his closest allies in the industry Gay Reed, operator of Barnwell Farms Ltd., told Barbados TODAY the industry has lost a titan and a pioneer.

“Mr Eversley was a stalwart in the pig farming industry. I want to extend my condolences to the family and may he rest in peace,” said Reed.

“One of the things I will always remember Mr Eversley for is his quick wit and thinking along the lines of improving the pig farming industry in Barbados,” he said.

Reed said he hoped the farm would continue, pointing out that the disappearance of his farm would create “a big gap”.

His farm, one of the largest on the island, usually supplied the market with about 50 pigs per week.

President of the Barbados Pig Farmers’ Co-operative Society Ltd. Henderson Williams told Barbados TODAY Eversley’s passing was a “great loss” for the country.

“We are saddened by the passing of Mr Eversley. He made a sterling contribution to the pig farming industry in Barbados. He was one of the larger producers on island. He was absolutely dedicated and was very knowledgeable,” said Williams.

“His passing is a tremendous loss for Barbados and we hope that his grandson and/or daughter can keep the farm going,” he said.

Back in July, Eversley told Barbados TODAY that he would speak with one of his daughters in England and if she had no interest in the business then he would seek to sell it.

The businessman, who operated his farm close to his home, had signalled his intention to exit the industry, citing difficulty with high input costs and the “dumping” of cheaper pork products in the market.
(marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb)