Rolly Mateo Sr., a farmer from Asingan, Pangasinan, earned PHP4 million in 2023 from his silage business, producing 609 tons of high-quality feed for carabaos.
Silage is a feedstuff produced by fermenting forage with a high moisture content (65%–70%). Silage has many advantages, including the preservation of nutrients and being less water-dependent. Some of the forages that can be processed for silage are corn, sorghum, and Napier grass.
Mateo Sr. started processing corn silage after he was trained by the DA-Philippine Carabao Center at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DA-PCC at DMMMSU).
Recognizing the benefits of silage, Mateo Sr. started making corn silage for his carabaos.
In 2015, Mateo Sr. expanded his production and started commercializing corn silage. He began selling it at PHP3.75 per kilo, and prices now are PHP6 and PHP8 per kilo for distant areas, with one sack equating to 40 kilos. The quality of his silage drew clients from Batangas, Abra, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, and Quezon.
His success extends beyond his business because he helps fellow farmers in his community.
Since the required production per week covers 3-5 hectares, he had to ensure a steady corn supply so he gave corn seeds to willing local farmers.
“Binibigyan ko ng buto ng mais ang ilan sa mga kabarangay ko dahil wala rin akong malaking lupa. Kapag naani na, babayaran ko sila ng PHP100,000-PHP120,000. Malaki na iyon kumpara sa dati nilang kinikita na PHP70,000 kada ani,” Mateo Sr. shared.
He also employed 16 men to help him in his silage business and paid them PHP450 per day.
He reinvests his earnings into acquiring carabaos, now boasting a herd of around 100 head. Mateo Sr. used to work on someone else’s farm and was only taking home PHP5,000 every cropping season. In 2007, he was selected by DA-PCC at DMMMSU to be a recipient of a pregnant dairy carabao that changed the course of his life.
It was in 2019 when his dairy revenue peaked substantially until 2021, owing to daily sales of 40 to 50 liters of milk. His gross monthly income exceeded PHP100,000.
“Nakita ko na malaki pala ang silbi ng pagbuburo ng mais lalo na sa panahon ng tagtuyot, at kung tayo’y nakapag-imbak ng buro, mais man o kahit anong forage na pwedeng iburo, mayroon tayong ipapakain,” he shared.
Why should corn silage be a top choice for dairy farmers?
One of the most important practices in dairy buffalo management is the provision of sufficient and nutritious feedstuffs. However, feed resources are a challenge for farmers, especially during the summer season.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defined silage-making as one method of conserving animal feed when there is less feed available. Silage making keeps forage in good condition without lessening the nutritional value, provides high-quality feed during the dry period, and increases the palatability and digestibility of fodder crops,
among others.
To help dairy farmers address the problem of feeding, DA-PCC, through its Production Systems and Nutrition Section (PSNS), is implementing training in the different regions of the country to introduce the benefits of silage. When it comes to choosing feed options for livestock, corn silage is a good choice.
The PSNS encouraged farmers why it’s an essential supplementary feed. Corn silage has high energy content because it is rich in starch which converts into soluble sugars during the fermentation period. Another benefit is its excellent fiber content that provides a good balance of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) that is more digestible compared to other kinds of silage. It is also highly palatable to ruminants. Its moisture keeps the rumen hydrated and stimulates the animals’ chewing activity. With regard to concerns about feed shortages, silage in general can be stored for extended periods without losing its nutritional value.
By incorporating corn silage in buffalo management, farmers can enhance the health and productivity of their livestock.
