Livestock, poultry production in WV shows positive growth in Q1 2024

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The livestock and poultry sector in Western Visayas has demonstrated significant growth in the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The region saw notable increases in both production and inventory, indicating a robust agricultural performance amidst various challenges.

In Q1 2024, the total livestock and poultry production in Western Visayas reached 53,315 metric tons (MT), marking a 15.5% increase from 46,152 MT in Q1 2023. This growth was driven by substantial gains in specific livestock and poultry categories:

– Chicken Production: Increased to 34,621 MT from 31,568 MT in the previous year.

– Hog Production: Rose to 10,987 MT, up from 9,516 MT.

– Chicken Egg Production: Grew to 4,827 MT from 4,700 MT.

– Duck Production: Notably surged to 1,212 MT from 699 MT.

The inventory of livestock and poultry in the region as of April 1, 2024 presents a mixed picture. While certain categories have seen declines, others have recorded impressive increases:

– Native/Improved Chicken: The inventory stands at 12,882,222, a slight decrease from 13,421,517 in 2023.

– Broiler Chicken: Significant reduction to 3,198,507 from 6,615,618.

– Layer Chicken: Increased inventory to 1,525,190 from 1,261,394.

– Hog Inventory: Slightly declined to 1,044,177 from 1,153,766.

Meanwhile, New Panay Agri-Ventures Development, Inc., a leading producer of feeds for hogs, poultry, and gamefowl, was recognized with the Outstanding Commercial Feedmill for Swine award at the second Livestock Philippines Recognition event.

Held on May 22, 2024, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, this event celebrated excellence in the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries.

New Panay Agri-Ventures, known for its significant market presence in Panay, Palawan, Negros Occidental, Romblon, and Masbate, was commended for its contributions to the swine feed industry.

The Livestock Philippines Recognition is a key feature of Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines, organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in partnership with Informa Markets. The event honors individuals, cooperatives, and corporations for their best practices and contributions to the industry.

The event also acknowledged Santeh Feeds Corporation with the Outstanding Commercial Feedmill for Aquaculture award. Santeh was praised for its pioneering work in aquaculture nutrition, including the production of pelletized feeds for prawns and sinking pellets for tilapia and milkfish.

The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative received dual honors as an Outstanding Layer Farm and Outstanding Swine Farm. This cooperative, the largest of its kind in the Philippines, started as a goods store and has since expanded into contract growing activities, showcasing remarkable growth and versatility.

Ta-ala Farms, Inc., awarded Outstanding Layer Farm, has maintained a daily production of 12,000 eggs since 1999, thanks to innovations like the Egg Machine. OsMir Farm, Cathay Farms, Inc., and the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc., were among the recipients of the Outstanding Swine Farm award for their resilience and contributions to the industry.

In his address, DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano emphasized the importance of innovation and sustainability.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our industry’s future as we strive to meet the growing demand for animal protein. We must ensure that our practices are environmentally responsible and socially equitable,” Savellano said as quoted in a DA news release.

Savellano highlighted the need for continuous learning, collaboration, and the adoption of sustainable practices to address challenges such as climate change and evolving market demands. The DA’s commitment to supporting the livestock industry through recognition and collaboration was evident throughout the event.