‘Common grounding in CBIN’: A farmer-to-farmer talk

 

Understanding the concepts and practices of a dairy enterprise through common grounding can be a key to a successful venture.

With this notion, a total of 15 identified recipients of dairy buffaloes from Highland Agricultural Credit Cooperative (HACC) of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato underwent field exposure to the management practices of successful dairy buffalo farmers assisted by the PCC at University of Southern Mindanao (PCC@USM) under the Carabao Business Improvement Network (CBIN) in Region XII, January 30-31.

The objectives of the said activity were to let the HACC members experience and conduct interviews with successful farmers about their dairy production activities and to meaningfully gather good practices and strategies for increased milk production and efficiency in dairy management.

Nasrola Ibrahim, PCC@USM CBED coordinator, said letting the farmers actually see and experience the activities of their co-farmers is an effective approach to learning.

Among the dairy farmers’ sites that were visited include those of Canahay Dairy Farmers Association (CADAFA) members Gemma Bengil and Rodel Estañol in Surallah, South Cotabato on milk collection and pasteurization; Abner Panaligan’s dairy farm in Sto. Niño, South Cotabato on sweet corn silage production; and D&L Dairy Farm owned by Dominic Paclibar in M’lang, Province of Cotabato on animal shed construction and calf feeding.

“Upon visiting the dairy farm of CADAFA members, I realized that perseverance among members could create a strong bond within the cooperative, which is key to their successful enterprise,” HACC member Rodelyn Estaba.

“When we started dairy farming through the CBIN project, we intentionally take heed from the lessons that we learn as we progress in order to be successful in our chosen venture,” HACC chairwoman Merlinda Go said.

In response to what Go said, PCC@USM center director Benjamin John Basilio said the conduct of the activity was part of the preparation of the cooperative for its upcoming dairy project. Director Basilio emphasized that PCC intends to serve as a channel of blessing and not an additional burden to the dairy farmers.

Meanwhile, Gemma Bengil, member of CADAFA, said she is glad to be of service to their fellow farmers as they get ready to impart to them the knowledge on buffalo dairying.

Aside from field exposure, participants also toured around the facilities of PCC@USM including its institutional herd. Participants were also given lectures on pasture development, breeding management, and health management by its farm superintendent Dr. Virgilio Lopez.

The HACC is the second cooperative under the stewardship of PCC@USM that has undergone the said activity following Linoan Farmers Integrated Cooperative (LIFICO) of Montevista, Davao de Oro last December 4-6.

“We are happy because we were the ones before who were trained by PCC@USM but now we are given the opportunity and the honor to teach our fellow farmers of what we know.” [Gemma Bengil, CADAFA member]

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