Cagayan Valley, May 29, 2025 – Four (4) Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in Cagayan Valley are now better prepared for cattle production after completing a comprehensive Training on Cattle Raising and Silage Making organized by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.
Recently, two FCAs from Rizal, Cagayan, the Malaueg Food Producers and Farmers Association (MFPFA) of Barangay Anungu and the Masi Corn Development Farmers Association (MCDFA) of Barangay Masi underwent the said training last May 13, 2025, at the DA-Southern Cagayan Research Center (SCRC) Annex in Solana, Cagayan.
The training covered vital topics led by the Station Veterinarian of DA – Southern Cagayan Research Center (SCRC) Annex Dr. Adrian Ramos, who discussed proper cattle selection, raising techniques, common diseases, and animal health management. A hands-on session on silage making followed the lecture, providing participants with practical experience in producing sustainable cattle feed, crucial as they prepare for their incoming cattle allocation.
A similar two-day training was also participated by the Samahan ng Tobacco Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (STFAC) from Barangay Sto. Domingo, Luna, Isabela last April 28-29, 2025, facilitated by Dr. Jake C. Casbadillo, Veterinarian II of the DA-Quirino Experiment Station. The sessions emphasized basic cattle care and silage preparation using corn leaves and other available materials.
While no hands-on silage making was conducted, the Kayvayvanan Nu Mitaketakey Du Itbayat Farmers Association (KA-MI FA) from Barangay Sta. Lucia, Itbayat, Batanes joined the same line-up of capacity-building efforts most recently on May 20, 2025. The training was conducted at the Itbayat Central School in Barangay Sta Maria. with Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Audrea V. Perez and her personnel Dr. Bernardo M. Narciso Jr., and Mr. Lorenzo Elpidio V. Cobico, who led the training.
Basic Cattle Production, Breeds and Uses of Cattle, the Estrous Cycle and Types of Forages were among the topics discussed by the said resource speakers. Participants received in-depth guidance to enhance their technical understanding of cattle feed preparation.
To reinforce learning, SAAD Cagayan Valley distributed booklets titled “Pag-aalaga ng Baka” and its Ilocano version “Panagtaraken iti Baka.” These serve as ready references for farmers to supplement the training.
Grateful for the initiative, STFAC Chairman Mr. Virgilio Jacinto, MFPFA President Ms. Lilibeth Gonzales, MCDFA Vice President Mr. Sherwin Talay and KA-MI FA President Mr. Reveriano Labrador all expressed appreciation to DA-SAAD for equipping their members with the knowledge needed to ensure the health and productivity of their livestock.
“Thank you sa DA-SAAD kasi kahit matagal na kaming nag-aalaga ng baka ay marami pa rin kaming natutunan lalo na doon sa feed management. Sinisiguro po namin na maayos ang paglaki at pagpaparami sa mga baka dahil i-aapply po namin ang mga bagong kaalaman na ito”, said KA-MI FA President Labrador.
(Thank you to DA-SAAD because even though we have been raising cattle for a long time, we still learned a lot, especially when it comes to feed management. We make sure that the cattle mature and reproduce properly because we will apply the new knowledge we have gained.)
In the coming weeks, MFPFA, MCDFA and KA-MI FA are set to receive 10 head of cattle and 20 head for STFAC. The distribution will follow a mandatory quarantine period to ensure the animals are healthy and ready for dispersal to farmers. ###
