PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY
Farmers in Piddig, Ilocos Norte are set to grow a modern variety of sorghum called “Bukakaw” to support the town’s expanding Wagyu cattle operations.
Former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said National Irrigation Authority Administrator Eduardo Guillen requested him to help promote sorghum cultivation among local farmers.
A 13-hectare pilot farm is planned in Barangay Tonoton to showcase the Bukakaw variety and encourage adoption by farmers.
The initiative is intended to improve the supply of silage, a preserved high-moisture feed, for Wagyu cattle in the municipality.
Piñol said he will guide farmers in turning sorghum into quality silage to sustain livestock growth.
Sorghum, originally from Africa, produces grains rich in protein, making it suitable as cattle feed.
Farmers welcomed the project as local corn silage can no longer meet the growing demand of Piddig’s Wagyu industry.
The Wagyu program in Piddig started in 2021 with artificial insemination to enhance native cattle genetics.
Piñol emphasized that using sorghum for feed will help ensure the profitability and sustainability of local livestock farming.
The pilot farm is seen as a model to expand sorghum cultivation and strengthen Piddig’s reputation as a Wagyu cattle hub.
