Guyana Manioc Developments, Limited (GMDL) operates an agricultural and livestock business at Dubulay Ranch in the Intermediate Savannahs of Guyana. Dubulay Ranch was at the end of the Rupununi Cattle Trail during the early 1900s, and became the homestead of pioneer, H.P.C. Melville. In 1974, Derek Mendes purchased the ranch from Melville's grandson and in 1982, founded GMDL which began experimental programs on cassava (ie. manioc) to supply the bauxite industry. In 1987, GMDL had only 58 head of cattle and today has 721 head of cattle, 380 sheep and 25 horses with 2100 acres of open range, improved pastures. In the 1990s, GMDL began planting varieties of beans, sorghum, other legumes and citrus. Currently, it is one of the largest and most experienced agricultural operations in the arest GMDL has improved the traditional, handpicked cowpea variety of legumes through its own breeding program. This makes the crops easier to harvest mechanically, creating efficient use of resources and utilizing modern agricultural technology. In 2004, GMDL collaborated with US-based Stine Seed Company and formed Guyana Grain Farm, Inc. (GGFI) in 2009, which operates a corn and soybean nursery. GMDL and GGFI, together, can be considered as one of the largest employers in the area, employing up to One Hundred and Forty (140) employees, primarily from the nearby communities with over 50% of the team members being women. GMDL is a longstanding and consistent employer in the area for the past 41 years. GMDL is developing the Dubulay Ranch brand of packaged red cowpea for the local and export markets while the soybean production supplies the stock feed markets. GMDL is currently cultivating 500 acres of soybean & red cowpea, with plans to expand further. GMDL has a successful cattle breeding program and continues to improve the quality of the meat it produces. GMDL continues to protect the unique environment of the intermediate savannahs and works to preserve the native flora and fauna. This is achieved by leaving green corridors for wildlife to roam, feed and access their natural habitat. GMDL and Dubulay Ranch has hosted various organizations and companies such as Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Stine Seed, Guyana Grain Farm Inc, NARI, EMPRAPA, The Smithsonian Institute, GLDA, Ebini Cattle Ranch, Rising Sun Farms, Bounty Farm and Tacama Gold Inc. GMDL is committed to ethical and transparent business practices and to developing quality products, improving efficiency and practicing sustainable development. To learn more, follow us on Facebook @Dubulay Ranch - GMDL