Plizio Visual Lab

Livestock Farming on Long Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Livestock Farming on Long Island (Bahamas)

Weather…

Livestock farming on Long Island represents a traditional and economically significant sector of Bahamian agriculture. The island is renowned for its vast grazing lands, where primarily sheep and goats are raised using extensive farming methods. This form of agriculture has a long history dating back to the colonial era, when settlers introduced hardy breeds capable of enduring the arid conditions and karstic terrain. Today, Long Island is the most important supplier of fresh meat for the local market and the capital city, Nassau. Farmers often employ traditional techniques passed down through generations while simultaneously striving to modernize the genetics of their herds. In addition to meat production, wool and dairy activities occur on a limited scale. This agrarian structure contributes significantly to the social stability and cultural heritage of the island's inhabitants.

Location: Bahamas
Nearby: Cecil (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	24	24	25	25	26	28	29	29	29	28	27	26
Rain mm	29	20	21	36	74	65	49	57	75	107	64	32

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Livestock farming on Long Island is a key part of local agriculture, particularly goat and sheep farming. It supplies the islanders with meat and dairy products and shapes the traditional cuisine of the Bahamas.

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Visiting

The grazing lands are generally well visible from the main roads, stretching across the hilly landscape. The farms themselves are usually not open to the public, but the animals often graze near the coast.

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Where to view it

The best views of the livestock herds are from the coastal roads, where you can see the animals grazing on the green hills. Good views also exist from viewpoints along Clarence Town Lagoon.

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Local products

Local shops and the market in Clarence Town often sell fresh goat and lamb meat. Handmade goat cheese is also a specialty of the island.

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Active season

The animals are on pasture year-round, but the main season for meat production is during the cooler months from November to March. This is also when local festivals with livestock auctions take place.

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Nearby

Combine a visit to the livestock farms with a trip to Long Island's beaches, such as the famous Cape Santa Maria Beach. Exploring the historic Adderley plantation is also worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates

23.23000, -75.12000

Facts

Long Island produces approximately 70% of the goat meat consumed in the Bahamas.
Grazing lands stretch across vast portions of the hilly northern island area.
Livestock farming is often conducted in combination with banana cultivation.
The 'Potcake' sheep is a local variety known for its extreme resilience.
Annual livestock markets take place, attracting buyers from across the archipelago.
The island's karst caves often serve as natural shelters for animals during storms.