By By JAMES TABABA
Kassy Saltiban, the 23-year-old owner of Promised Land Farm in Talugtug, Nueva Ecija, is an individual who decided to embrace a career in agriculture. Kassy is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Central Luzon State University.
Her journey into agriculture began with a profound admiration for farmers from a young age. Despite facing skepticism from those around her who believed that farming offered limited financial prospects, especially in Central Luzon, where rice was the predominant crop, Kassy remained devoted to her passion for agriculture. She observed that in other countries, agriculture was a source of prosperity, which motivated her to envision a future where Filipino farmers could thrive.
An upgraded goat refers to a goat that has been selectively bred with specific high-quality breeds to enhance its genetic characteristics and overall productivity. (Promised Land Farm)
The pandemic was a very challenging time for everyone, including Kassy. She found herself working in the wet market, selling vegetables and lifting heavy crates, which she considered difficult for the modest earnings it provided. Over time, she diligently saved money and made the decision to venture into selling seedlings and cultivating lettuce. It was through this experience that Kassy came to realize the potential of farming as a business. However, she encountered the ongoing issue of fluctuating market prices, with times when prices dropped significantly due to high supply.
“I thought, ‘What if I focus on livestock, specifically goats?’, Kassy said. “Goats have a stable market, and I can set the price, unlike crops which are perishable and subject to market fluctuations.”
One benefit of goat production is its relatively quick return on investment compared to other livestock. (Promised Land Farm)
Promised Land Farm is known for its integrated farming approach, which involves both crop cultivation and livestock raising. According to Kassy, this method ensures that each component benefits the other in a mutually supportive manner. For instance, the farm utilizes livestock manure as fertilizer for the crops, while the organic waste generated by the crops serves as animal feed for the livestock. This synergy exemplifies how integrated farming functions effectively.
In the past, Kassy used to cultivate crops such as corn, eggplant, kamote, and rice. However, her current focus has shifted towards the meticulous care and attention required for raising goats, as the crop market has experienced a downturn.
Goats ready to be delivered. (Promised Land Farm)
A shift towards goat farming
Goat farming became Kassy’s primary focus due to its potential for profitability and relatively low entry barriers.
“Goat production offers the fastest return on investment,” Kassy said. “It’s often referred to as a ‘poor man’s cow’ because almost anyone can raise goats.”
Baby goats are often called kids. (Promised Land Farm)
In the Philippines, there is a continued demand for goat meat, which is cherished as a localized delicacy. While some may worry about goat mortality during the rainy season, Kassy sees opportunities in the goat industry, especially given the adaptability of native goats to local weather conditions. She recognizes that there is a substantial demand for goat meat, not only among Ilokanos but also within a broader market.
Kassy’s farm specializes in meat-type goats, which are in high demand in the market. The farm manages both breeders and fatteners to cater to the meat production segment of the livestock industry.
Goats eat ripe mango fruits when in season. (Promised Land Farm)
Customer-centric approach
Maintaining strong client relationships is a cornerstone of Promised Land Farm’s business philosophy. Kassy takes pride in her after-sales service, which includes offering technical consultation following the purchase of goats. Customers have the flexibility to choose between visiting the farm in person or scheduling an online consultation.
Receiving updates from customers about the well-being and progress of their goats is truly heartwarming for Kassy. The expressions of gratitude from clients for the support and guidance she receives further reinforce the farm’s commitment to fostering positive, enduring relationships with her customers.
The size of upgraded goats is generally larger and more robust compared to native or unimproved breeds. (Promised Land Farm)
Inclusivity in goat breeding
Many people often inquire about Kassy’s decision not to be overly selective when it comes to choosing goat breeds for her farm. However, Kassy’s approach to goat breeding is inclusive, as she values all breeds, including native, upgraded, and full-blooded goats. “I don’t discriminate,” she said. “I value local native goats because we are based in the Philippines, and native breeds are the most well-suited goats for our climate.”
At Promised Land Farm, their focus is on three primary breeds: Philippine native goats, Boer, and Anglo Nubian goats. This diversified approach allows them to balance the unique advantages and characteristics of each breed while also preserving the significance of the native goats in their farming endeavors.
Foraging grass using the cut-and-carry system involves harvesting fresh grass or forage and then feeding it directly to goats. (Promised Land Farm)
Building a network of goat farmers
Promised Land Farm has established a network of goat raisers. “We collaborate with partners, multipliers, and breeders to ensure a continuous supply of goats,” Kassy said.
Kassy actively welcomes individuals who are interested in becoming breeders or multipliers, particularly those looking to start a profitable goat farming business. Under her guidance, these individuals can receive training and initiate their journey into goat farming by purchasing goats through the farm’s program. Kassy’s motto is “we should never run out of goats,” and her system is designed to facilitate this.
Providing grasses to goats provides them with a controlled and nutritious diet while efficiently managing pasture resources. (Promised Land Farm)
Kassy always advises potential breeders to prepare suitable housing and a reliable source of feed before acquiring goats. They suggest a basic housing design, which can be implemented for approximately 20,000 pesos, although costs may be lower if local materials are readily available. As for the goats themselves, an upgraded native doe (female goat) typically costs around 8,000 to 10,000 pesos, while a higher filial upgraded native buck (male goat) may be priced at approximately 15,000 pesos. These upgraded goats, which are bred with Boer goats, tend to exhibit faster growth rates compared to native breeds.
Overcoming challenges
Kassy faced numerous challenges throughout her goat farming journey, and these obstacles often tempted her to consider giving up. One of the most difficult moments was experiencing mortality losses during her initial production phase. However, she found her motivation to persevere in the very name of her farm, “Promised Land Farm.” She realized that abandoning her endeavors would mean the name of her farm could not live up to its Promised. This realization became her enduring source of inspiration.
Goats are often provided with elevated feeders to prevent them from contaminating their food with feces or debris. (Promised Land Farm)
Whenever Kassy visited her goats, she felt as though they were communicating with her, reinforcing the message that she should never give up on them or her dreams. Their presence served as a constant reminder of her commitment to the farm and its future success.
A hope for the future
Kassy hopes that the government will give due attention to the goat livestock industry in the Philippines. She envisions a future where the country’s goat industry is developed to the point where goat products can be exported, commanding higher prices on the international market. Such growth would serve as a powerful motivator for local goat farmers to become more deeply involved in goat farming.
Kassy Saltiban of the Promised Land Farm. (Promised Land Farm)
Kassy emphasizes that, despite her background in animal husbandry through university education and training, it was hands-on experience that proved to be the most effective teacher. She learned that not everything taught in books necessarily translates to real-life farming experiences. This practical knowledge was instrumental as a goat farmer.
She encourages everyone not to shy away from farming, but instead to cultivate a love for it, as farming is the foundation of our sustenance. “For those who aspire to start livestock production, don’t be afraid —start now,” Kassy said.
Photo courtesy of Promised Land Farm
