MMSU Distributes Starter Forages to Establish Community-Based Demonstration Plots

Written by Administrator on 28 September 2026

by Mercy Ramos-Gaño

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), through its College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) and the Extension Directorate, has officially started distributing free starter planting materials to local ruminant keepers who signified interest in establishing high-yielding forage plots.

The distribution is part of the university project, "Establishment of Improved Forage and Pasture Demonstration Plots to Support Continuing Education of Ruminant Keepers," led by Assistant Professor Sean R Vidad of MMSU-CAFSD.

The first batch of beneficiaries includes Ms. Iluminada Guerrero Badua of Brgy. Pacifico, Marcos, and Ms. Edz Antonio of Brgy. Ab-abut, Piddig. Both pioneer recipients are graduates of the university's School-on-the-Air (SOA) program, endorsed by their LGU, and successfully met the selection criteria to serve as lead farmer-partners. In this role, they will establish community-based, farmer-managed demonstration plots designed to influence fellow ruminant keepers in their localities through farmer-to-farmer extension and future sharing of planting materials. Among the distributed species were climate-resilient forage grass varieties, including dwarf napier, pakchong, setaria, guinea, and mulato.

This initiative aims to directly address the critical feed shortages local cattle and goat raisers face during the prolonged dry spells of Ilocos Norte. Integrating these high-quality, cultivated forage grasses into local farms provides vital support to livestock growers by providing a continuous feed supply throughout the lean months, as fast-growing forages produce significantly higher amounts of fresh green feed per unit area compared to native weeds or dry rice straw. Furthermore, these improved grass varieties deliver superior crude protein and digestible energy, directly boosting animal productivity through faster weight gains, higher milk yields, and better overall reproductive health. Their exceptional climate resilience—demonstrated by species like Setaria and Mulato that tolerate both extreme drought and temporary waterlogging—helps smallholder farmers build more adaptive, sustainable agricultural livelihoods.

The distributed planting materials were taken from the initial collection of thirteen improved forage species established at the university’s Ruminant Teaching and Demonstration Facility in Sitio Nagbacsan, Brgy. Tabug, Batac City. The site features seven high-yielding grass varieties (Florida, Red, Sweet, and Pakchong Napier, Guinea Grass, Mulato II Hybrid, Setaria, Ruzi, Forage Sorghum, and Teosinte or Maramais), four leguminous species (Desmanthus, Renzonii, Alfalfa, and Pigeon Pea), and two multipurpose trees (Ipil-ipil and Madre de Agua).

To complement the distribution, the project will also conduct training and provide continuous technical assistance to ensure proper field establishment, crop management, and utilization. While numerous farmers' groups across the province have signified their interest in receiving planting materials, current production from the initial collection plots remains limited. Consequently, the project will conduct distributions on a staggered, series-by-series basis as new planting materials are harvested, and other community members will be notified accordingly as to when their starter sets will be provided until everyone who expressed interest is fully served.


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