Make sure to get a copy of the February issue of Agriculture Magazine which is now off the press and is available in major bookstores and outlets of Manila Bulletin nationwide.

You will read in this issue the inspiring story of Felipe and Jessilyn Ramos of San Ildefonso, Bulacan, who started planting high-value vegetables on one hectare in October 2004. Today they are planting vegetables year-round on a total of 11 hectares, four of which are their own and the seven are being rented from neighboring farm owners.

The couple are maximizing production from their farms by succession planting, planting one crop way ahead before the last harvest of the standing crop in one field. While the husband takes charge of production, Mrs. Ramos is in charge of marketing. She has two jeeps at her disposal for the transport of their harvest as well as those of other farmers to the Balintawak market in Quezon City.

You will also read the article by Dave Deppner of the Trees for the Future on Silvopasture, a sustainable way of growing trees, forage crops and livestock. This involves the planting of fast-growing multi-purpose trees that also provide feed for animals The animals are confined to protect the field from overgrazing.

You will also read about the success story of Capt. Laurence Louis B. Somera, one of the Magdalo soldiers who was discharged from the army due to his participation in the so-called Oakwood Mutiny in Makati in 2003. Today, he is a commercial vegetable farmer in Nueva Vizcaya and is also into Pangasius farming. Soon he will go into goat and quail production, according to Amadeo B. Dulay who wrote the story.

You will also read the report of Toto Barcelona on how Taiwan develops markets for farm produce through research. Under the initiative of Toto, a Taiwan-RP Farmers Friendship Club is also being organized.

Then there is the story on a crop processing machine with multiple uses which was adjudged most outstanding invention in the 2009 National Invention Contest conducted by the Department of Science and Technology. The machine can be used as a crusher, juice extractor and can be used as a component of a processing system for the production of arrowroot starch and flour.

Many more interesting stories are featured in the February issue. Don’t ever miss this issue.