A little more background

In our earlier assignment we discovered that 99% of dairy products are imported into the Philippines. In discussion with numerous Filipinos, we were informed that many adults were not brought up with dairy products in their homes however their children have developed a real liking to milk. The stumbling block for their parents however is the high cost. Dairy product prices are not unlike Canadian prices but minimum hourly wages in Canada are equivalent to the daily wages in the Philippines.

Almost all liquid milk is imported as Ultra Heat Treated for long lasting shelf life. Unfortunately this increases the cost and offers a less desirable taste.

While dairying will have its challenges in this country side, there is ample productive land available. Corn and rice is grown throughout the province of Isabela. In particular corn appears as productive as Canadian field corn even with their primitive production methods...strong stalks with large ears.

Similar productive land is often used for pasture but is never renovated/reseeded for more productive forages. In a university setting I am told that 20 animals can be fed from 1 hectare of productive forage in a cut and carry management system. Forages can be cut here on a 30 day rotation...12 cuts per year!

For the animals heat and humidity will be a challenge; however in a cut and carry system, a dairy farm would only need to provide shade roofs with possible added ventilation and misting. I'm told in areas to the south pasture lands are provided in coconut groves which in turn provide shade as the animals graze. In Isabela temperatures tend to be even warmer and my inclination would be to provide fresh fodder to animals in a low density confined area of shade roofs.