Tue | Feb 3, 2026

Growth & Jobs | Nutramix launches chicken coop starter programme

Initiative aims to help farmers rebuild after Hurricane Melissa

Published:Tuesday | February 3, 2026 | 12:10 AM
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Nutramix Livestock Support Specialists Andre Williams (left) and Bruce Thomas (right), alongside Veterinarian Dr Gilbert Williams (centre), work to rebuild a chicken coop in St Elizabeth following the passage of Hurricane Melissa with support from teammate
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Nutramix Livestock Support Specialists Andre Williams (left) and Bruce Thomas (right), alongside Veterinarian Dr Gilbert Williams (centre), work to rebuild a chicken coop in St Elizabeth following the passage of Hurricane Melissa with support from teammate Jevaughn Matthews.
A Nutramix team member reinforces the foundation of a chicken coop being rebuilt in St Elizabeth following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Contributed
A Nutramix team member reinforces the foundation of a chicken coop being rebuilt in St Elizabeth following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
An overhead view highlights the extensive damage left by Hurricane Melissa at a chicken farm in St Elizabeth, where the Nutramix team stepped in to support rebuilding efforts.
Contributed
An overhead view highlights the extensive damage left by Hurricane Melissa at a chicken farm in St Elizabeth, where the Nutramix team stepped in to support rebuilding efforts.
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In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Newport Mills Ltd, a division under the CB Group and manufacturer of Nutramix animal feeds, has launched a Chicken Coop Starter Programme aimed at helping affected poultry farmers rebuild, recover, and return to production.

For many farmers, Hurricane Melissa not only damaged physical structures, but it erased years of hard work and dedication in a single night. Coops were flattened, birds lost, and the income families depend on for daily survival, gone.

The Chicken Coop Starter Programme provides selected farmers with essential materials and support to rebuild their chicken coops, enabling them to safely resume poultry production and restore livelihoods for their families.

Poultry farmers are an integral part of Jamaican society, contributing significantly to local economic development, particularly in rural communities. “The Nutramix Starter Pack programme isn’t just about rebuilding structures. It’s about supporting the resilience of our people as they get back on their feet, reclaim their independence, and generate income. Knowing that we are helping farmers return to productivity is what Nutramix stands for. We’re Right Here with our farmers,” shared Alicia Bogues, head of regional development at CB Group in a release.

LONG-TERM SUPPORT

The programme forms part of Nutramix’s broader post-hurricane recovery efforts, which prioritise practical, long-term support over one-off donations. By starting with functional, manageable coop builds, the initiative allows farmers to regain momentum while rebuilding in a more sustainable way following extreme weather events.

In addition to construction support, farmers engaged through the programme will receive guidance from the Nutramix Livestock Support Unit, including advice on biosecurity, flock management, and strategies to reduce risk as they rebuild.

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across farming communities, particularly impacting poultry operations that rely on lightweight structures vulnerable to high winds and flooding. Nutramix’s phased approach will begin with a pilot group of farmers and expand over time. Some 100 farmers across Trelawny, St Ann, St James, Hanover, St Elizabeth, and Westmoreland each stand to benefit from the donation of a 200 sq ft chicken house, valued at approximately JMD $600,000.

Nutramix has long worked alongside Jamaican farmers through feed solutions, veterinary outreach, and on-the-ground assistance. Through the Chicken Coop Starter Programme, the company reaffirms its commitment to standing with farmers not only in times of growth but in moments when rebuilding is most challenging.

Farmers affected by Hurricane Melissa are encouraged to look out for additional information on how to apply or be nominated for support through Nutramix’s official communication channels.