Plant, milk, feed

With many high school graduates now preparing their enrollment forms for their respective colleges and universities, I remember a Facebook conversation with an old acquaintance.

To his question of what course I am taking in my university, I replied: “Agricultural studies.” He then asked me: “Aren’t you a Pisay (Philippine Science High School) graduate? Aren’t you supposed to take engineering or medicine? Isn’t agriculture too cheap for you?” I told him that my course is really my passion, and that it is where I am most comfortable.

I thought that I had managed to convince him of the merits of my choice, but guess what? He asked me more questions: “So what do you learn there? Planting rice? How to milk cows? Feeding the chickens? LOL.” I felt so insulted that I immediately disconnected the chat and forever blocked him from my Facebook account.

But after reflecting on our exchange, I actually thought that he was perhaps right. Slightly right.

Yes, at my university we learn how to plant, not only rice but also many others like high-value vegetables, fruit trees and plantation crops. We have to learn the various ways of planting because it is not like what many imagine: simply digging a hole in the soil and dropping the seedling in. For starters, there are many factors to consider, such as the soil’s acidity level, average temperature, and even the planting distance specific for each plant. Many plants will not grow properly if the soil is acidic, but some plants actually love it. Some plants grow best in the cold, while others need the warmth of the sun. Each also requires an optimum planting distance: If the seedlings are not spaced properly, the yield will be less than expected.

And the process does not end with planting. There is also a need to employ the most efficient pest-prevention schemes, watering systems, proper harvesting methods, and posthandling techniques. Each plays a crucial role in guaranteeing that consumers are provided with quality cereals, fresh fruits, coffees and teas, oil extracts, fibers, and many more that we enjoy every day!

Yes, we also learn how to milk cows, and it is one of the most challenging but fun experiences I have had so far in my university. To milk a cow is not to simply press its teats and then collect the milk. Before milking, one must make sure that the equipment is free from dirt and that the cow’s udders are clean. It is obligatory that the first milk flow is directly tested for possible microbial contamination. Once the milk is collected, it is processed and further tested to make sure it is safe for consumption.

Beyond the milking process, it is also necessary to implement the best husbandry practices not only for cows but for other farm animals as well. These include well-designed housing and sanitation systems, good health management, and proper procedures needed for each life stage of the animal. Without these, I doubt if we will have the freshest milk for our table, delicious meats for our favorite adobo, and tasty eggs for breakfast (and even balut!)

Yes, we also feed chickens and other farm animals, and it takes a lot of mathematical skills. How I wish it were as simple as scooping the feed from the silo and putting it in the animals’ feeders. But no, definitely not. We are taught how to formulate the proper composition of the feeds for animals. If there is overformulation, excess uneaten feeds will mean a waste of money. If there is underformulation, the animals may not reach their proper size or produce the expected amounts of milk and eggs.

The same is true for applying fertilizers. Overapplication may lead to soil toxicity; underapplication may cause plant deficiency. Either way, plants are negatively affected.

Agriculture plays a very important role not only in our economy but in our daily lives as well. It provides for many of our necessities, from food to clothing. Thus, with the Philippines’ increasing population, we have to make sure that our agriculture industry is running as efficiently as possible. But how can we do this?

Few want to work under the heat of the sun, or have their feet soiled, or be soaked in sweat. Those who are happily engaged in agricultural studies and work are stereotyped and laughed at as cheap. Less and less of the younger generation choose to get involved, or at least have positive views toward agriculture. Less and less recognize the efforts and hard work of our farmers, our agricultural scientists, and our agriculture students to make sure that Filipinos’ needs are well provided for. Less and less realize the opportunities offered by agriculture.

In fact, planting, milking and feeding do not even comprise a tenth of the many lessons I have learned so far in my university. There are still lessons to be learned in breeding, meat processing, marketing, and many more, all offering a wide array of opportunities. I do not intend to brainwash our high school graduates into taking agriculture as a course; I only wish to say that its importance in our society should be appreciated, and that our farmers, our agricultural scientists, and our agriculture students should be properly valued and removed from negative paradigms.

I respect the career choices that others make. I simply will not tolerate those who discourage others from making a choice and taking their preferred career path, or worse, insult them for their choice.

To my acquaintance: Yes, I am a Pisay graduate, and I am more than proud that I am studying agriculture and learning how to plant rice, milk cows, and feed chickens.

Elson Ian Nyl Ebreo Galang, 18, is a student at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.