A total of 27 participants completed Phase 1 of the Training on Goat Production and Management (Batch 1) conducted by the ATI at the Hygeia IntegraMeds Center, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, March 20-22, 2024.

The trainees were Learning Site for Agriculture cooperators, farmer-leaders, Magsasaka Siyentista, and agriculture enthusiasts from the Caraga region.

In a message, OIC Center Director Jessie V. Beldia encouraged the trainees to maximize the learning gained from the training to help improve the goat industry in the region. He added that numerous programs and activities is in line for the farmers through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

The resource persons include Mr. Jan Robert Lawrence A. Yamit of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 13, from PVET-Agusan del Sur Dr. Konielou M. Berdin, Dr. Easter Rose D. Nono, Dr. Jean Lesley Unson, and Ms. Linda Manliquez, and Mr. Jimmy M. Cocha, and from LGU-San Francisco Ms. Aia Mae F. Sarsaba.

The trainees learned about the status and opportunities of the industry, the basics of goat production and technologies, animal breeding, and nutrition. They also learned about stock care and management, animal health care, animal husbandry practices, and feed resources.

During the third day of the training, the participants had a learning visit at AFDAL Farm located in Pisaan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Dr. Jean Lesley Unson, assisted by Mr. Concha, engaged the participants in hands-on exercises on castration and deworming, among others. The activity provided a venue for sharing as farm owner Faith Dicang revealed the best practices and doable techniques employed on the farm.

The participants formulated the re-entry plan that ATI will monitor six months after the training. Moreover, they are to complete the second phase of the training focused on dairy goat production and management.