Sheep, Goat Farming! AU Ends Sheep Shipments; Opportunity Opens For PH

When Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the Department of Agriculture would boost the country’s Small Ruminants Population, meaning Sheep and Goats, his only intention was to increase the meat production as the hog and poultry sectors are threatened by diseases.
Recent developments, however, show that the move was prophetic and with the right programs, it could turn the Philippines into a major source of Sheep and Goats for exports.
Last week, the Australian Government announced that the export of Sheep by sea vessels would end by 2028 which means that Middle East importers of live sheep from Down Under such as Kuwait would be scrounging around for countries which could be the source of sheep.
Australia’s proximity to the Philippines, especially the southern island of Mindanao, opens a window of opportunity for the country’s farmers.
What makes Sheep and Goat farming exciting is the fact that both animals are known to be resistant to heat and diseases with very simple nutritional requirements.
Unlike large Cattle, both Goats and Sheep could be raised in small areas, including paddocks requiring little space.
Between now and 2028, both the private sector and government should invest on the Small Ruminants Program and target a population of at least 10-million by the end of the term of the incumbent President, Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
For the program to succeed, however, government must initiate projects which would produce feeds and silage for both Sheep and Goats.
Sorghum, a crop being promoted and produced by a young company, Southseas Agri-Aqua Ventures Inc., fits the crteria because it is both a source of grains and silage.
With correct planning and preparation, the Philippines could become a major producer of both Sheep and Goats which would mean added income opportunities for our farmers and sufficiency in sources of meat protein.
#GovernanceIsCommonSense!