Participants prepare silage as part of their hands-on activity to make feed for goats and ruminants.

DAET, Camarines Norte – Twenty-two goat farmers and two personnel from the Provincial Veterinary Office joined a three-day training on goat production and management, held at Prime Suite Hotel, Daet. The training, titled SaGoat Kita: Poor Man's Cow in a Millionaire's Program (Batch 7), was led by the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center V (ATI-RTC V) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte.

The activity is part of efforts to strengthen the Bicol Goat Industry and improve the skills of local raisers.

The first day opened with messages from ATI representatives and partner agencies. Discussions, led by officers from Camarines Sur's goat industry, focused on organizational development and record keeping. Participants also learned about goat breeds, breeding practices, and how to increase income through related enterprises.

On the second day, experts talked about proper goat housing and making silage, an important part of goat feeding. Dr. Jhoel M. Sureta from the Provincial Veterinary Office discussed common goat diseases and how to prevent them. In the afternoon, the group visited goat farms managed by the provincial and regional agriculture offices for hands-on training in goat care, including hoof trimming and silage-making.

The final day focused on goat nutrition, pasture development, and using goat waste for vermicomposting. Participants also created a supplement block for goats and crafted re-entry plans to apply what they learned in their communities. Six plans were submitted and will be monitored after six months.

During the closing program, ATI Bicol Center Director Elsa A. Parot gave her closing remarks, where she expressed appreciation for the active participation of the goat raisers, partner agencies, and local government units. She also promoted ongoing ATI programs such as the Top 555 Project.  Ms. Aida Miraña, Supervising Agriculturist from the Provincial Veterinary Office, delivered a message of support on behalf of Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Ronaldo U. Diezmo.

The training closed with a clear set of next steps. These include the implementation of re-entry plans, participation in monitoring activities, strengthening local goat raisers’ groups, conducting re-echo sessions for other members, improving goat breeds, and submitting project proposals to the DA Regional Field Office with endorsement from the Local Government Unit.