Chef cooking up success on farm

Damario Swaby is a certified sous chef who shares his time between the kitchen and the farm. He is a born-and-raised rural boy who didn't see a future in agriculture.

A few years ago, Swaby, 31, who hails from the community of Coleyville in Manchester, began an agricultural venture that he calls 'Farm on the Hill'. He raises goats, pigs, and cattle, while also cultivating sweet peppers.

Unlike many farmers who inherit the trade from their parents, Swaby's journey into agriculture was a winding path, marked by a shift in mindset that eventually led him to embrace farming as a business rather than a simple way of life.

"I grew up in a farming area, grew up having animals, but I never had the opportunity to take it seriously back then. Now, I don't just see it as farming, I see it as a business," Swaby shared, reflecting on his evolution as a farmer.

Farming in Jamaica has long been associated with manual labour and traditional practices, but Swaby is challenging that notion. He emphasises the importance of modern technology and careful animal care in making farming more sustainable and productive.

"Taking care of animals is just like taking care of yourself. Bathing is essential, eating properly is essential, taking vitamins is essential. So that is why I ensure I do the same for them so they can thrive," he said, stressing that animal welfare is paramount in his approach to farming.

With the rise of social media and greater global exposure, Swaby is optimistic about the future of agriculture, particularly for young people. "Look at First-World countries, millionaires and billionaires invest in agriculture. It's a mindset thing," he added, pointing out that there's tremendous potential for agriculture to be viewed not just as a livelihood, but as a lucrative business opportunity.

He also highlighted the challenges of farming in Jamaica, particularly the shortage of veterinarians and the importance of building strong relationships with them.

"In Jamaica, we don't have enough vets to cater to everyone at the same time, and not every vet specialises in the same type of animals. But having that connection is crucial. If something happens and the vet can't come immediately, at least they can guide you over the phone. If you don't have that relationship or knowledge, your animal might suffer unnecessarily," Swaby explained.

Farming, however, isn't without its hardships. For Swaby, climate change poses one of the biggest threats.

"I mainly grow sweet peppers, and I have to plan around the seasons. But climate change is making it unpredictable. You plant expecting a mix of rain and sunshine, but instead, you get only heavy rain or only extreme heat. It shocks the plants, and they don't grow properly," he shared.

Raising livestock presents its own set of difficulties, particularly during 'kidding season', when goats give birth.

"That's one of the hardest times. You can lose both the kid and the mother, or just the kids. And it's not like they can talk, so diagnosing problems is difficult," he explained.

And then there are the truly baffling moments, such as a mysterious injury to a goat that still has him bafffled.

"I fenced the entire property, so I know my goats can't go outside. One day, one of them came back bleeding, with its horn completely broken off, its tail nearly severed, and the animal in shock. But I have no clue how it happened," he recalled. "I know for sure no one did anything to it, but to this day, I don't know what caused it," he said.

Despite these challenges, Swaby remains passionate about his work, offering advice for those considering a life in agriculture.

"If you're doing it, just do it. Don't compete with others, because competition can make you feel like you're not doing enough when, in reality, your animals or crops are doing just fine."

He also encourages fellow farmers to keep learning.

"Never stop researching, never stop seeking knowledge. Agriculture is evolving every second, and if you don't keep up you'll be left behind," he advised.