Farm Mapping in Jamaica

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In November 2019, the Minard Estates Farm was pleased to have Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer Caroline Patrick-Birdwell participate in a Farm Mapping assignment. Caroline holds a master’s degree in geographic information systems (GIS) and works as a contract and senior GIS analyst for Tucson Electric Power Company. During her assignment, Caroline collected spatial data on the Minard Estates Farm associated with existing roads, pasture conditions and uses, and irrigation networks. 

This data was placed into a geographic information system (GIS) and mapped. The final deliverable was a large format printed map. Once the map was developed and printed, it was provided to Agro Investment Corporation (AIC), the governing body of Minard Estates. The map was unveiled at the Minard Show, an annual event with over 7,000 students and teachers in attendance. Ms. Patrick-Birdwell also produced a web-based map that can be viewed online. 

The two maps can be used for planning and progress-tracking purposes; and will allow farm management staff to make informed decisions regarding pasture use, irrigation needs and other farm operation and development matters. In addition, the map tools can serve as prototypes for similar projects in the future. The Minard Estates Farm is located in the parish of St Ann, near the city of Browns Town. The region is very agricultural, and the farm is a beef cattle estate with approximately 230 head of cattle in 1,000 acres. 

"This trip and project have been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. I immediately connected with the varied Jamaican landscape, the food, and the people. I was continually impressed by the professionalism of the Farmer-to-Farmer staff, and the helpful attitudes of the staff at the farm. The farm itself is a place of breathtaking beauty, and it has been an honor to be part of this project."

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