Poblacion, EL SALVADOR CITY---In just 10 days, a Livestock-based Farm Business School (FBS) training transpired which aims to enhance farmers' entrepreneurial and management skills by utilizing a 'learning-by-doing' approach and methodology. This approach empowers farmers to actively learn, enhance their expertise, change their mindsets, and refine their skills to advance farm commercialization, all within the context of their agricultural operations.
Resource persons include GreenMinds Incorporated co-founder and CEO Reynaldo Gil “Datu Makadingding” Lomarda, Assistant Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario, and Administrative Officer IV Efren C. Macario.
One of their activities included the conduct of a market survey in Cagayan de Oro City to gather insights from various stakeholders in the livestock industry, enabling each participant to engage in interviews with vendors and customers, so that they can make informed decisions and develop strategies for their farm businesses. The survey covered various meat shops, litsoneros, meat vendors, and market customers, allowing the participants to engage in interviews and interact with vendors and customers alike.
Following the survey, the participants presented their market survey reports, to their resource person, AFU Chief Efren C. Macario. Mr. Macario imparted valuable insights on developing a vision and goal for the farm, enriching the participants' understanding of sustainable business practices.
The market survey served as a crucial step in the participants' educational journey, providing them with firsthand experience in market research and analysis within the livestock industry. By engaging directly with vendors and customers, they gained valuable insights into consumer preferences, market trends, and potential areas for business growth.
During their visit to ARCA Goat Farm in Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro City, as part of the benchmarking activity, Mr. Albert Arca, the farm operator, provided the participants with valuable insights into the intricacies of managing a livestock farm. He shared about the various struggles they encountered along the way, from initial setup hurdles to day-to-day operations. Through his experiences, the participants gained a deeper understanding of the dedication and perseverance required in sustainable livestock management.
On the same day, the training participants visited Cervantes Urban Square Foot Garden in Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro City, for another benchmarking activity. Mr. Honorio Cervantes enlightened the participants about their innovative production of Black Soldier Fly as a sustainable protein source for poultry, fish, and livestock feed. Witnessing the feed formulation process using Black Soldier Fly further highlighted the potential of this alternative protein source in modern farming practices.
These benchmarking activities serve as pivotal moments of learning and inspiration, fostering a culture of collaboration and advancement within the agricultural community.
"As a Farm Business School graduate, I gained valuable insights that completely transformed my perspective as a livestock coordinator. The program taught me that simply organizing farmers and providing production training is not sufficient. It is crucial to elevate their farms to a business level and enable them to access markets for their products. The Farm Business School has proven to be the next step in empowering farmers and taking their agricultural enterprises to new heights. It has opened our eyes to the importance of treating farming as a business and equipping farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the market. The FBS experience has been truly enlightening and has equipped us with the tools to make a significant impact in the agricultural sector”, said Doc Omar T. Cahanap, City Veterinary Office of Malaybalay.
Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez extended her appreciation and personally congratulated the 10-day training participants during their graduation ceremony. (with reports by: Engr. Abdul Azis Y. Abdul Nasser, Gia Joy B. Lusterio, and Administrative Officer IV Efren C. Macario)
