ATI-RTC X Compound, El Salvador City---Milk, being a wholesome food with high nutritive value is often prone to early contamination and spoilage if not handled properly. Most losses of dairy products occur as a result of a combination of poor production and handling practices and lack of technical knowledge. Good quality milk is essential for the production of high quality dairy processed products. For our dairy farmers, it is very important for them to know the basic proper handling and processing practices.

Recently, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) mounted a “Training on Milk Handling and Processing” in collaboration with the National Dairy Authority (NDA)-Northern Mindanao Department. The training aims to capacitate the region’s dairy farmers on milk handling and processing standards. It was participated in by 30 dairy farmers in Region 10 through the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) headed by Mr. Robert M. Enerio.

NMFDC is the only secondary dairy producing cooperative in Northern Mindanao operating its own milk processing plant and directly marketing its finished products. Ninety percent (90%) of the raw milk processed by NMFDC are fresh produce of its dairy farmers from the highlands of Bukidnon and the lowlands of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City. It produces quality and nutritious dairy products under the brand name “Highland Fresh”.

Meanwhile, Food Technologist Marivic B. Callao of the National Dairy Authority (NDA) delivered her lecture which also included a hands-on demo on making cheese, yogurt and chocolate milk. Organized and facilitated by Project Officer Aleli Jean A. Paulican, the training transpired at the ATI-RTC X Compound, El Salvador City on July 4-6, 2018. (with reports from Aleli Jean A. Paulican, Livestock Focal Person)