Thirty-four (34) farmers from the Cabawangan Corn Farmers Association (CCFA) actively participated in the hands-on workshop entitled “Skills Training on Product Innovation and Corn Cob Utilization” conducted by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) on May 14, 2026 in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija.
The activity enhanced the capabilities of CCFA farmers in producing organic alternative feeds while creating an additional source of income through the sale of the produced feeds. The training also encouraged farmers to maximize available farm resources and reduce agricultural waste through innovative and sustainable farming practices.
The training was facilitated by DA-SAAD MAED Lead Rogie G. Castañeda, who discussed the importance of proper nutrition in improving livestock production and overall animal health. He emphasized that providing nutritious yet affordable feed alternatives can help reduce production costs while maintaining the quality of livestock production.
Castañeda also highlighted the value of utilizing locally available materials such as corn cobs, which are often discarded after harvest. Through fermentation, these agricultural by-products can be converted into nutritious feed additives suitable for chickens, goats, and cattle.
“Malaki po kasi ang magiging tulong nito sa inyo. Napapainam po kasi nito ang digestion ng inyong alaga bukod po doon mas sustainable po ito dahil busal ang gagamitin. Imbis itapon mapapakinabangan pa po ito, nakatulong pa tayo sa kalikasan,” he emphasized.
(It will be a big help to your livelihood because it improves the digestion of your animals. Aside from that, it is also sustainable because corn cobs are being utilized. Instead of throwing them away, they can still be used, and through this, we are also helping the environment.)
During the hands-on workshop, participants were guided through the step-by-step process of preparing fermented corn cob feed, including the proper collection and drying of corn cobs, grinding and mixing procedures, preparation of fermentation ingredients, and proper storage techniques to ensure feed quality and safety. Farmers were also given the opportunity to personally perform the procedures to strengthen their understanding and practical skills.
Out of the total of 34 members of the association who attended the activity, 13 are men and 21 are women. Thirteen participants were also senior citizens, reflecting the continued involvement of different sectors of the community in agricultural development activities.
DA-SAAD Central Luzon continues to strengthen farmers’ knowledge and skills through meaningful capability-building activities aimed at improving production and expanding livelihood opportunities among farmer-beneficiaries. Similar training activities are also expected to be conducted for other associations under the SAAD Program in the region.
