As the demand for beef cattle production and marketing continues to grow, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, conducted a beef cattle marketing innovations seminar cum workshop on January 24. The event, held through DA-10’s livestock program, aimed to foster networking and collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Pursuant to a memorandum order from the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary, which underscores the need for innovative marketing strategies and technological advancements, DA-10 seeks to equip beef cattle producers with modern marketing tools to enhance product visibility and consumer engagement.
DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock, Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM, highlighted the importance of the market as a starting point for improving livelihoods within the livestock industry.
“We are gathered here today to address the challenges in marketing and explore how we can collaborate to create effective marketing plans, which will serve as a foundation for our guidelines and policies. It is essential to hear from the farmers, from the grassroots level, what we can do to help them,” he stated.
Guest speakers Raymund Mirabueno and Allan Noel S. Bernales emphasized the role of social media platforms in marketing and discussed the marketable cattle breeds in the region, particularly those with Brahman-based bloodlines.
With challenges such as shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and increased global competition, the seminar-workshop provided valuable insights on utilizing social media for long-term industry success.
Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Market Specialist I, Mariflor A. Balabat, presented key market destinations for large animals between September and November 2024. Notable destinations included Agusan del Sur (426 heads), Davao del Sur (195), and Davao del Norte (112).
Meanwhile, Livestock focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc shared data on livestock growth rates, highlighting Northern Mindanao as the top cattle-producing region in the second quarter of 2024, contributing 10,635.8 metric tons, or 17.4% of the national production.
As a follow-up, consolidated data from the seminar will be submitted to the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary to serve as a reference for a multi-year plan and future guidelines supporting the livestock industry.
The event was attended by representatives from the DA Office of the Assistant Secretary, the National Livestock Program Directorate, the Provincial Veterinary Office of Bukidnon, the Local Government of Manolo Fortich, large ruminant commercial raisers, and beneficiaries of the Artificial Insemination Program.