The Riverside Greeners Association (RISGA) Inc. in Brgy. Kalaw, Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte has turned cattle raising into a thriving livelihood, generating Php 484,500 worth of gross income from selling 14 cattle granted by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.
The cattle were part of SAAD’s integrated Ginger and Cattle Production Project, an initiative designed to support farmers with provision of 32 head of cattle, high-value crops, fertilizers, and essential farm inputs.
The sales were conducted in two phases: 10 cattle were sold in December 2024, followed by another four in February this year. Prices per head ranged from Php 36,000 to Php 62,000, reflecting the quality and care invested in their rearing.
For the farmers of RISGA, this project is more than just a source of income, it represents an opportunity to build a self-sustaining enterprise.
Association President Wilfredo Nonesa shared how the members dedicated themselves to ensuring the cattle were raised properly. Instead of adopting a centralized feeding system, each member took responsibility for a certain number of cattle, treating them as their own.
This method allowed them to closely monitor the health, growth, and well-being of each animal, ensuring they were well-fed, free from disease, and nurtured in a stress-free environment.
“The way we care for these animals is the same as how we care for our families,” Nonesa said. “We put in the effort every day, making sure they are healthy and growing well because we know that their success is our success.”
Nonesa added that they implemented a reinvestment approach – turning individual success into collective progress. Through a rollover policy, members who sell their cattle contribute Php 2,000 of their earnings back to the group. This collective fund is used to sustain the project, ensuring that new livestock can be acquired and that the initiative benefits not just the current members but future farmers as well.
“The support from SAAD has given us the resources and training to make this project a success, but the key is sustainability,” Nonesa explained. “Through the rollover system, we make sure that this opportunity doesn’t end with just one batch of cattle. It will continue to grow.”
Area Coordinator Ms. Duane Joy B. Clemente, who has been closely monitoring the group’s progress, has witnessed first-hand the farmers’ dedication in making the project thrive.
“The farmers are fully committed to the proper care of their cattle. They actively apply what they’ve learned, ensuring that every aspect of cattle management—from feeding and vaccination to proper handling—is done with care and precision,” she said.
Currently, 32 cattle remain under careful management, with farmers continuing to follow best practices in animal husbandry. With additional sales anticipated in the coming months, the RISGA Farmers Association remains optimistic about further strengthening their community’s livelihood. ###
