TCI’s Cattle Lauded by World-Renowned Expert

Over the past two days, the Department of Agriculture has had the distinct privilege of hosting PJ Budler, an internationally respected cattle expert and genetics authority originally from South Africa, whose global experience spans decades and more than 50 countries.

Budler documenting cattle

Mr. Budler was invited by the Department to conduct a preliminary assessment of the cattle populations on Salt Cay and Grand Turk. With extensive credentials that include founding BonHaven Beef Cattle at age 15, serving as International Business Manager for Trans Ova Genetics, and judging over 100 different cattle breeds — including on all six continents — Mr. Budler brings an unmatched perspective on cattle breeding, genetics, adaptability, and functional efficiency.

During his visit, Mr. Budler was consistently impressed with the condition, character, and adaptation of the local cattle stock. In his official observations, he noted that the animals are extraordinarily healthy, uniquely adapted to small island, saline conditions, and demonstrably resilient in an environment that challenges many breeds.

“I have not seen cattle this well-adapted and robust in such a harsh climate anywhere else,” Mr. Budler remarked, noting the animals’ functional efficiency, natural hardiness and environmental adaptation.

Honourable Zhavargo Jolly, Minister for Tourism, Environment, Fisheries, Maritime, Heritage, Agriculture and Gaming and PJ Budler, internationally respected cattle expert and genetics authority.

At a meeting with the Hon Minister Zhavargo Jolly today Friday, 16th January, he shared his professional perspective:

The cattle of Salt Cay and Grand Turk represent a natural genetic asset worthy of preservation.

There exists an opportunity to develop the population further with minimal human intervention, preserving natural resilience and health traits valued worldwide.

The global agricultural community and tourist would be interested in visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands to learn from and witness a breed that has evolved organically in environmentally sustainable, free-roaming conditions.

Mr. Budler also highlighted that, visually and genetically, the animals show evidence of evolution through the historical crossing of multiple breeds, resulting in a population now uniquely adapted to Salt Cay and Grand Turk. Photographic documentation supports the view that this evolving genetic profile contributes to their distinctiveness and ecological fitness.

Hon Minister Jolly indicated that he would like to see the development of a structured programme to:

• Document the history and phenotypic characteristics of the Salt Cay and Grand Turk cattle populations;

• Develop a preservation strategy that ensures the long-term sustainability of this unique genetic resource;

• Explore opportunities to showcase this asset for Agro-tourism initiatives.

Some of the cattle of the TCI

The Department recognises this as a significant opportunity for biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and global recognition of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ unique livestock heritage and would like to thank the residents of Salt Cay for facilitating this visit.