EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental (PIA) -- To enhance farmers' management and entrepreneurial skills, the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC)-10 recently conducted a ten-day livestock-focused Farm Business School (FBS) program that utilized a "learning-by-doing" approach.

This strategy gives farmers the power to actively learn, improve their knowledge, shift their perspectives, and hone their abilities to increase farm commercialization—all while keeping their agricultural operations in mind.

Resource persons include GreenMinds Incorporated co-founder and CEO Reynaldo Gil “Datu Makadingding” Lomarda, Assistant Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario, and Administrative Officer Efren C. Macario of the ATI-RTC-10. 

One of their activities included conducting 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 could 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. 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, 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, 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. Honorio Cervantes, owner of the Cervantes Square Foot Garden, 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," said Doc Omar T. Cahanap from the City Veterinary Office of Malaybalay. 

He emphasized that the Farm Business School has demonstrated itself as the next crucial stride in empowering farmers and elevating their agricultural ventures. It has broadened their perspective on the significance of approaching farming as a business endeavor, while also providing them with the essential skills and knowledge required to flourish in the marketplace.

Cahanap added that his experience within the FBS has proven profoundly enlightening, furnishing participants with the necessary tools to enact a substantial influence in the agricultural sector.

Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez extended her appreciation and personally congratulated the 10-day training participants during their graduation ceremony. (ATI-10/PIA-10)