As the twenty-five (25) members of California Farmers’ Association (CFA) continue to grow and maintain the momentum of their egg production project, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Phase 2 provided another training on Basic Health Management for Chicken Layers to reinforce best practices for maintaining chicken health and meeting consumer egg demands.

The two-day session in collaboration with the Provincial Veterinary Office of Surigao del Norte, from May 21-22, 2024 took place in Sitio California, Barangay Opong, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte. 

Prior to the activity, PVET Livestock Coordinator Mr. Festus Trumann M. Beltran undertook a thorough site inspection of the poultry farm owned by CFA. This inspection aimed to assess the current state of the farm, allowing for a customized approach to the topics to be discussed. By tailoring the content to address the specific needs of the farmers, Beltran empowered them with the knowledge and strategies necessary to sustain the productivity of their chicken layer production project. 

Additionally, the emphasis is on maintaining the overall sanitary standards and ensuring the health management of the production area and the members.

Beltran highlighted the significance of wearing dedicated work attire while on the poultry farm. He pointed out that wearing outside clothes could potentially introduce viruses that may lead to illnesses among the chickens. His explanation underscored the paramount importance of mitigating risks to safeguard the health of both the poultry and the farm workers.

He also added that, “vaccination of the chickens is not an assurance of the livestock’s resistance against illnesses, vaccines are given to build the chickens’ resilience toward the illnesses hence, sanitation and health management are still crucial,” explaining that vaccines are not absolute protection against health risks and overall hygiene is still a must.

Situated in a remote area in their sitio, Beltran reiterated the importance of rotational schedule of the caretaker/s to ensure the proper feeding schedule, sanitary and health management, and safety and security of the property from outside elements and unwelcome intruders.

He also taught the farmers with the proper drying techniques of the chicken manure as he encouraged the farmers to process the waste by-product to be an organic fertilizer that can be beneficial in their SAAD pineapple production project which will be turned over to the FA in the 3rd quarter of FY 2024.

About CFA

CFA joined the SAAD Phase 2 in FY 2023, receiving comprehensive training on fundamental technical know-how to establish their chicken production project. 

CFA’s egg sales report shows a total gross income of Php 284,255 from July 2023 to May 2024, with Php 204,191 earned from July 2023 to February 2024 and an additional Php 80,064 earned from March to May 2024.

In conclusion, the partnership between CFA and SAAD Caraga has significantly supported the growth and success of the egg production project. By keeping this progress and addressing any new challenges, the project is set to continue thriving. SAAD Caraga will continue to assist its poultry project beneficiaries with both technical and operational support. ###

Writer: Sean D. Belen, SAAD Caraga Regional Information Officer