Last Updated on April 16, 2025, 12:25 PM AST by Anthony Morris
The Department of Agriculture of St Kitts and Nevis recently dispatched several Extension Officers on April 8 and 9, who took to the fields to conduct on-site inspections of farms across the island. This inspection is part of the department’s highly awaited ‘Annual Farm Judging Competition’.
The Extension Officers responsible for various agricultural districts, visit the farms to assess and evaluate them under a number of key categories. District 1 was represented and assessed by Guy Richardson; District 2 was represented by Leroy Meritt and Mark Addams; and District 3 by Dion Weekes and Nyesha Daly.
The officers evaluated the farms in relation to cultural practices, sanitation, and plot design. All these factors will add to the overall score that will determine the Island’s ‘Crop Farmer of the Year’.
The field agents observed the impressive and growing levels of the local food supply, pointing out the variety of crops that were being grown throughout St. Kitts. The inspections showcased the productivity and commitment of the local farmers while bolstering the efforts to enhance food self-sufficiency and decreasing the need for outside resources.
The Crop Farmer of the Year will be selected based on the results of these inspections and announced during the World Food Day week of activities in October 2025.
Annual Farm Judging Competition
The Annual Farm Judging Competition is organized with an aim to recognize excellence in crop farming and encourages continuous improvement in farm practices across the island.
During the competition, farms are evaluated in five following categories:-
- Under 5 Acres
- Over 5 Acres
- Fruit & Tree Crop
- Protected Agriculture
- Most Produce to Marketing Unit
Participants of this year’s Annual Farm Judging Competition
Some of the participants who proudly showcased their crops and farming techniques were Keithly Armstrong, Leon “Yello” Anthony, Valmon John Williams, Samuel “Sammy” Rose, Edison Isaac. Several other farmers joined them in this competition as well.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
