Participants of the Dairy Herd Management Training participate in group dynamic activities required from them as well as the coming up of their respective action plans.
Mambajao, CAMIGUIN---Considering that dairy production is gaining momentum as a lucrative venture in Northern Mindanao, a farmer with 10 cows could earn a substantial income since one healthy cow can produce 10 litres of milk per day. The shift in the demand for fresh milk is due to consumer’s changed perception on health and wellness.
A 3-day Training on Dairy Herd Management was conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) through the Career Development and Management Services Section (CDMS) at Cabua-an Beach Resort in Mambajao, Camiguin on June 25-27 to reinforce the dairy sector in the region.
The training course intends to provide the participants with the basic knowledge on dairy herd management. Generally, it focuses on improving and enhancing the knowledge of the dairy farm workers on breeding, health, nutrition, forage and pasture development, calf-rearing, milk-handling and quality control, milking operation, and farm record keeping. Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Loius Bollozos gave his welcome message during the opening program.
A total of 27 training participants consisting of dairy farm workers of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Camiguin, AEWs from the LGUs, dairy farmers who are members of the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) and interested farmers attended the 3-day event. Later, the participants submitted their respective action plans.
The training was organized and facilitated by Aleli Jean A. Paulican, Livestock Program focal person of ATI-RTC X in collaboration with the City Agriculture Office in Cagayan de Oro City and Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC). Moreover, experts from the National Diary Authority - Northern Mindanao Department namely, Mr. Romualdo Bongabong, Dr. Maria Teresa Ursal, Dr. Fidel Galope, Jr., Mr. Grethel Xerlo Betita, and Ms. Marivic Callao served as the resource persons.
The training also encouraged farmers to venture into dairy production where there is a quick return of investment because of the ready market. (with reports from Aleli Jean A. Paulican, Livestock Focal Person)