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Cattle theft driving Berbice farmers out of industry
(Kaieteur News) – One cattle farmer has already walked away from the industry, while others are considering following suit as livestock theft continues to plague farmers in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Among those who have abandoned cattle rearing is Ron Soogrim, an overseas-based Guyanese businessman who has now shifted his focus to agro-processing.
Soogrim, who spent years in cattle farming in Berbice, said he has decided to call it a day because the business is no longer profitable.
In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Soogrim explained that the continued losses from cattle rustling have made it increasingly difficult to sustain the operation.
Cattle in the Berbice Backlands
In February, Soogrim and other cattle farmers invited Kaieteur News to Berbice for a firsthand look at the challenges affecting the industry. It was not the first time the newspaper had visited the region to hear farmers’ concerns about cattle theft.
Despite efforts by law enforcement authorities to curb cattle rustling, Kaieteur News learnt during its follow-up visit that thieves continue to develop new methods to evade detection.
This newspaper reported on 11th February that cattle rustlers had adopted a new and brazen tactic — branding calves before their rightful owners could do so, allowing them to falsely claim ownership. The scheme emerged after police intervention last year forced thieves to abandon their previous practice of transporting unbranded cattle out of Region Six by truck.
Instead, rustlers have reportedly been moving into the backlands and illegally branding calves, effectively creating a new challenge for farmers and law enforcement.
Kaieteur News previously spoke with several cattle farmers, including Gobin Roopram and Chander Kumar Ramdass, who highlighted the hardships caused by livestock theft.
Months later, however, the situation has worsened, forcing Soogrim to sell his remaining cattle and exit the industry.
Other farmers who spoke with Kaieteur News said they are now considering reducing their operations or quitting altogether.
The newspaper also learnt that the problem has reached a stage where some farmers are questioning whether employees can be trusted, with allegations that some workers are collaborating with cattle rustlers.
Farmers further claim that cattle theft among operators themselves has made it even more difficult for police to identify suspects and secure prosecutions.
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