MANILA, Philippines – If you have not gone to the Agrilink trade show at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, you still have the whole day today to do so. You will be happy to see so many interesting products, technologies and ideas that you can adopt in your own projects.

Concededly, the bulk of visitors have been crowding the exhibits of small ruminants (goats and sheep). The interest of the private sector is manifesting itself. So many people, including celebrities, are getting into small ruminants. And with the right policies of the government, the private sector could do the rest in developing the industry to its fullest.

Some of those we talked to believe that the market for goat meat (chevon) and mutton is right there waiting for the supply. What is evident now is that the goat raisers are getting organized so that they could have a single voice in dealing with the authorities regarding whatever concerns they might have.

The private investors were largely responsible for the tremendous growth of the poultry and swine sectors in the past many years. It is believed that the private stakeholders could do the same in the small ruminants business. After all, new technologies are aiding the farmers in raising their animals.

The goat raisers are undertaking creative activities to further promote the industry. One such activity is the staging of the first goat and sheep show Friday at the Agrilink. Goats and sheep entered in the show competed for honors and cash prizes. But what is more important is that the show was intended to educate the public regarding the desirable characteristics of the animals, especially those for breeding purposes.

The goat and sheep show engaged the services of Australian and Canadian judges to select the best of the entered animals. After selecting each winner, the judges explained why their choice garnered the top prize. One judge explained, for instance, why the Boer doeling (female less than one year old) of Sandy Javier garnered the top prize in its category. First, he showed the wide rear back portion of the animal. It means that the goat will have an easy time giving birth. The goat has also a wide rib cage, hence it could have enough space inside for its kids. Then the legs are straight and sturdy. There’s also a good body conformation.

There are really many things to see at Agrilink. Better visit now if you haven’t done so.