GOAT FARMING IN MALAYSIA

Dorper in Australia

2015-10-31T23:04:00.001-07:00

I was in Dubbo to do Dorper selection.

A hidden dragon among the goats-by Raymond Tan

2015-02-20T20:36:00.001-08:00

The house in the animal farm of TYC.

Adams (left) and wife Loh, each with a kid in their arms. Between them is their son Beldon, born in the Year of Goat in 2003 when the couple started their goat farm.

Adams Tang was born in the year of the Dragon and is supposed to have the characteristics of that celestial creature – lively, intellectual, energetic and excitable.

But over the years his character has morphed into that of a goat as he run his business with calmness, making decisions with delicate thoughts, strong creativity and perseverance, the way a goat person would do. There is no mystery behind this change – Adams is in the business of rearing goats and being so close to these animals it is little wonder that he is becoming a goat person.

However, he insisted that deep inside him he still had the character of a dragon – he is a hidden dragon among the goats.

Adams decided to go into goat farming big time in 2003 the year of the goat on an 80-acre piece of land at Mile 28 Oya Road in Sibu.

However, after one cycle of the Chinese zodiac, the 39-year-old, managed to develop only 40 acres of the land – still no mean feat as his farm TYC Goat &Livestock Sdn Bhd is possibly the biggest goat farm in the state.

Adams talked to The Borneo Post recently on how he would ride into the Goat Year and looked back at the challenges faced since he started. The burning question that just has to asked was why choose goat farming when there were so many other opportunities to choose from?

“It is the interest and passion that got me in and pushes me on,” he said.

He explained his family had been involved in livestock and poultry farming and believed his interest in goat farming stems from his childhood experience.

“There is sort of an ‘Animal Farm’ story in our family. My grandfather reared ducks and goats for a living. My uncles rear pigs and chickens. They sell eggs from the hens. My father once reared quails for eggs.”

Tang, who was only 27 when he started his farm initially reared 1000 goats for meat but soon ran into trouble.

He could not compete with the prices of imported mutton from Australia which was retailed at only over RM10 per kg while the cost of producing the meat at his farm was RM38 per kg.

Adams said geographical and weather factors were the cause especially the high humidity which caused the animals to fall sick often.

“But, for the Australians, they just need to put their animals on the green ranch; there is almost no cost involved. Maybe, their only cost is the slaughtering of the animals.”Going back to his drawing board, Adams decided to give up meat production and switched to dairy goat farming,

He said the transition took four years as he had to sell off the goats he reared for meat and replace them with the breed that produced more milk.

Now TYC Goat & Livestock Sdn Dhd is a full fledged dairy goat farm selling goat milk and its products, including goat milk soap, coconut pudding with goat milk, goat milk biscuit and goat milk ice cream.

While Adams takes care of the farm and milk production, his wife Loh Yu Yee manages the marketing of the milk and manufacturing of its products.

“We are doing well now. The locals have started accepting goat’s milk and milk products.” Adams admitted that it was a challenge selling goat milk locally as people in Sibu are not used to drinking the milk .

“They have a misconception that the taste is gamy – a flavour they imagine they cannot accept. But, that is totally wrong. Goat’s milk tastes like cow’s milk. Not only that, goat milk has more health benefits. That’s why most people in the world are drinking goat’s milk.” To overcame this challenge his company had to hold promotion campaigns to introduce goat milk and its products to locals.

“We needed to convince people. We deliver the milk to their doorsteps daily. Then, we make soap, pudding, biscuit and ice cream with the milk.”

Tang also invited groups to visit his farm and offered them goat milk. The young entrepreneur said his farm had always stuck to organic production and green management. For feeds to yield better quality milk, they mixed soya, corn, paddy wastes, sago and palm kernel cake.

“We ferment them before feeding them to goats.” Although TYC Goat & Livestock has turned to dairy farming it still sells mutton and live goats to locals.

“Our customers still come because our products are organic while Kampung folks bought our goats for slaughter during celebrations.”

After one cycle of the goat year Adams and his wife are eyeing wider markets for their products.

“We are set to expand our business to Kuching, Miri and Bintulu this year,” he said.

Will Adams expand his farm to the other 40 acres of his land?

Hopefully he would not need another cycle of the goat year to achieve that. In the meantime those who want to know more about goat milk and its products can contact Adams at 0168898264.

Mdm Hii Goat Farm in Bawang Assan

2014-07-30T05:40:00.001-07:00

Newly established Mdm Hii goat farm located at Bawang Assan, Sibu. More than 200 boer goat were reared using intensive system. Beside goat they also rear cattle and deer.

Mdm Hii Goat Farm in Bawang Assan

2014-07-30T05:38:00.001-07:00

Newly established Mdm Hii goat farm located at Bawang Assan, Sibu. More than 200 boer goat were reared using intensive system. Beside goat they also rear cattle and deer.

Mr Ngu Goat Farm

2014-07-24T15:50:00.001-07:00

Mr Ngu goat farm situated at KM24, near Stapang, Sibu. He has more than 300 boer goat. His farm is impressive with 26 acres of planted napier grass.

Goat Pellet

2013-09-20T05:41:00.001-07:00

Organic fertiliser - Goat pellet

Goat Pellet

2013-09-20T05:23:00.001-07:00

Organic fertiliser - Goat pellet

Nature's Farm Introduces New Line of Chemical-free Soaps

2013-08-04T23:05:00.001-07:00

By Yvonne Tuah, The Borneo Post

COMPLETELY NATURAL: Photo shows Nature’s Farm latest line of chemical-free liquid soaps and shampoos made with Nature’s Farm’s renowned goats milk as well as exotic, luxury oils.

KUCHING: Nature’s Farm Company (Nature’s Farm) unveils its latest line-up of liquid soaps that are completely free of chemicals and made with its renowned goats milk infused with exotic, luxury oils.

This new line-up of soaps come in three forms, namely moisturising hand soap, luxurious body shampoo and luxurious hair shampoo.

Principal directors of Nature’s Farm Cassandra Havelock and Fred Lee told The Borneo Post that the idea of developing these liquid skin solutions came from the realisation that the skin – the body’s largest living organ – absorbs twice as much toxic chemicals compared with intestines.

Lee highlighted, “We found that a lot of soaps in retail stores use synthetic chemicals surfactants and foam boosters such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

“While these products still clean the body, it also strips the body off its natural oil which will make the skin dry.”

Citing several researches, Lee also noted that a lot of these chemicals can be harmful to the body, in a long run.

Additionally, Cassandra said, “We are aware that a lot of people are now very health conscious. They get worried about what they put in their skin so we came up with this chemical-free product.”

These latest line-up of liquid soaps and shampoos are formulated and produced with highly beneficial plant-based biodegradable surfactants, cleansers and moisturisers from Karite Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Argan Oil and Tamanu Oil.

In addition to the beneficial oils listed, Nature’s Farm also infuses goats milk yoghurt which is sourced from the company’s renowned dairy goats.

True to its chemical-free philosophy, this latest range of liquid soaps and shampoos do not use chemical emulsifiers. While there may be slight separation of natural ingredients during storage, the product quality and efficacy are not affected.

Cassandra and Lee also outlined that these liquid soaps and shampoos are ideal for those with sensitive skin such as Cancer patients, elderly people as well as babies.

On the products, Nature’s Farm’s liquid hand soap balances the cleaning power of coconut oil with the moisturising property of olive oil.

In addition, its body shampoo is made from Shea butter and extra Virgin Olive Oil which make it suitable for any sensitive problematic skin.

Cassandra revealed that Nature’s Farm is looking to expand its shampoo line to cater to various hair types.

Currently, its shampoo line caters to basic hair needs such has hydration and healing properties. This line-up of shampoo consists of Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil and Virgin Olive Oil.

For further information, call 082-255169, 012-8738900 (Lee), 017-2286696 (Cassandra) or email biosynergy.cassandra@gmail.com or biosynergy.lee@gmail.com.

Alternatively, interested parties may purchase Nature’s Farm’s soaps and shampoos at New Earth Organic at Jalan Padungan.

Additionally, Nature’s Farm also distributes its products across Sarawak.

Interested parties may call its distributor for Miri and Bintulu at 016-8784596 (Chang) for more information.

PPNT Turns Goat Manure Into Organic Fertiliser

2013-05-13T16:18:00.001-07:00

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 11 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Farmers Oganisation's (PPNT) centre in Kampung Pelam in Hulu Terengganu district processes two to three metric tonnes of goat manure a day into organic fertiliser.

General Manager Sawalludin Ahmad told Bernama here the centre was set up two years ago at a cost of about RM10,000, and recently sold 32 tonnes of the fertiliser to 21 area farmers organisations in Kelantan through the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry.

PPNT uses the fertiliser for its 200 ha. oil palm plantation in Kampung Pelam and may also use it for its 33.5 ha. vitato farm to be set up in Ru Tapai in Setiu district.

Sawalludin said PPNT's 1,000 goats produce some 60 metric tonnes a month of manure, which is mixed with other ingredients to make organic fertiliser, adding PPNT may also source goat manure from Kelantan.

-- BERNAMA

Goat semen in good use

2013-02-14T20:56:00.001-08:00

By TASHNY SUKUMARAN
tashny@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Marditech Corporation, a subsidiary of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), said it had never wasted its imported goat and cattle semen for its artifical insemination exercise.

“Based on the current storage facility and technology, the semen can be kept for 99.99 years and beyond,” said Marditech Corp group chief executive officer Anas Ahmad Nasarudin in a statement to The Star.

He said the paper had mistakenly interpreted the Auditor-General's report on Oct 16 that some RM486,100 worth of semen were wasted as they remained unused.

“Procurements made were according to financial policy and procedures and approval based on delegation of powers and authority within the company,” he said, adding that the selection of high quality animals and timing were key critical success factors (CSF) to conduct the insemination.

“Therefore, there is no issue of wastage,” he said, adding that semen and embryo utilisation was carried out on a planned basis by the National Animal Embryo Centre based on identified CSFs.

“In addition, foreign exchange risk is mitigated through a specified number of purchases,” he said, clarifying the A-G's Report that Marditech spent RM1.39mil from 2007 to last year for insemination and embryonic transfer involving cattle and goats.

Regarding the reported purchase of some 1,212 straws of goat semen from its nucleus farm in Kluang, Johor, he said the semen was not “bought” but manually extracted from “selected high quality animals” by their own experts and no expenditure was incurred in the process.

Anas Ahmad also clarifed that the average cost of goat semen was RM150 per straw, and not RM250 as reported.

He added that besides the 1,000 straws of goat semen from the Kalahari breed, there were straws of semen from others, such as the Boer and Savanah breeds.

He also stated that the targets of 81.2% for cattle and 74.2% for goats were not for the insemination exercise but for the total population of cattle and goats, regardless of techniques applied and this includes multiplication by natural breeding.

He also clarifed that the farms mentioned in the A-G's report were the multiplier or satellite farms and not the farm in Kluang.

Regarding the alleged lack of experienced managers and proper infrastructure that caused low birth rates in some multiplier farms, he said these were not the main factors.

“However, floods which hit several multiplier farms in 2008 and 2009 caused detrimental effects and a high death rate was recorded,” he added.

Imported Boer Goat From Australia to Sarawak

2013-01-17T08:06:00.001-08:00

Imported Boer Goat From Australia to Sarawak on 22 December 2012.

Boar Goat In Sarawak

2012-12-25T17:55:00.001-08:00

The Boer goat is a breed of goat developed in South Africa in the early 1900s for meat production. Their name is derived from the Dutch word "boer", meaning farmer.

Borneo To The World

2012-09-11T04:19:00.001-07:00

Soap products display in this booth.

Goat Farming & the Black Gold

2012-09-11T04:18:00.001-07:00

One of the most successful goat farming in Sarawak

Goat's Milk Ice Cream

2012-08-27T16:09:00.001-07:00

SIBU: TYC Goat and Livestock Sdn Bhd is taking an innovative step forward in promoting and creating awareness on the health benefits of organic goat’s milk through their homemade goat’s milk ice-cream.
Speaking to The Borneo Post on Sunday night, farm owner Loh Yu Yee said the idea came about upon realising that some parents were having a hard time in persuading their children to drink goat’s milk.
“Goat’s milk is one of the least favourite drinks among children, but they sure do love ice-cream.
“So, because goat’s milk is so rich in nutrition, I need to come up with something they love,” she said.
After some research and trials and errors, she finally came up with their original goat’s milk ice-cream.

When she first introduced the flavour at the Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) in July, it was a big hit.
“There were long queues for the goat’s milk ice-cream which was all snapped up within 10 minutes.
“We just wanted to see the response, so we only brought 50 cups on our first day of the sale, we did not know it would be sold out in less than 10 minutes,” she recalled.
Added Loh: “We brought in 100 cups on the second day. Again, they were sold out in less than 10 minutes.”
“The third time we brought in 800 cups, and we sold them in two sessions, one started at 7pm and the other, 8.30pm.
“In both sessions, the ice-cream was sold out in less than one hour,” she said.
That gave Loh the confidence to research and try out new flavours at home.
The result was five new flavours — Horlick, Milo, chocolate, coffee and green tea.

Last Sunday night, they introduced these flavours with free ice-cream testing session at a hotel.
The 68 people who participated in the testing session did not just test the ice-cream but were entertained with interactive games and gifts.
“The purpose of the testing was to receive feedback from the participants and through their feedback, we would see what we need to improve on the flavours,” she explained.

From the feedback, most think that the Horlick flavour is the best.
Loh said they would start selling these new flavours on Sept 16 at the Town Square from 7pm until 10.30pm.
According to her, she reduced the sugar content of her goat’s milk ice-cream by 50 per cent to maintain its nutritious level.

Loh said she was already contemplating introducing ice-creams with fruit flavours.
“It’s a bit challenging because fresh fruits have water,” she pointed out.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/28/farm-sells-goats-milk-as-ice-cream/#ixzz24n6sipgg

Katjang Goat

2012-08-26T20:36:00.001-07:00

Goat Milk

2012-07-29T02:13:00.001-07:00

SIBU: TYC Goat and Lifestyle Sdn Bhd provides healthier milk in the form of organic goat’s milk which contains no additives, assures its person-in-charge Loh Yu

He said they keep 500 to 600 goats at their farm at Km28 Oya Road.
“Ours are purely organic and pure goat’s milk. A 300ml bottle costs RM8. Delivery may be arranged for every purchase of two or more bottles,” he said.

According to him, goat’s milk is nutritious and more health-enhancing than cow’s milk because of its high level of calcium, potassium, phosphorus and trytophan.
He said their goats feed on grass and corn.

“We’ve a record of an asthmatic boy who no longer gets asthma attacks after drinking our milk. The same happened with my sister. It’s proof that goat’s milk is beneficial to health,” Loh claimed.
Loh said goat’s milk tasted better than cow’s milk, though some people thought it tasted awful.

“Maybe it’s because of the sour taste. If it’s sour, the milk could have been exposed for too long at room temperature,” Loh explained.
The company also produces organic goat’s milk soap which can last for about a year only as no chemical is used.

“It comes with different flavours such as lime, orange, lavender and so forth and is suitable for everyone,” he said of the soap the company started producing a year ago.
For details, call 084-338797 or email tycfarm@gmail.com

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/30/try-organic-goats-milk-the-healthier-milk/#ixzz22082kL61

2012-06-06T00:26:00.004-07:00

Posted on May 30, 2012, Wednesday

SIBU: TYC Goat and Lifestyle Sdn Bhd provides healthier milk in the form of organic goat’s milk which contains no additives, assures its person-in-charge Loh Yu Chieat. He said they keep 500 to 600 goats at their farm at Km28 Oya Road. “Ours are purely organic and pure goat’s milk. A 300ml bottle costs RM8. Delivery may be arranged for every purchase of two or more bottles,” he said.

According to him, goat’s milk is nutritious and more health-enhancing than cow’s milk because of its high level of calcium, potassium, phosphorus and trytophan. He said their goats feed on grass and corn. “We’ve a record of an asthmatic boy who no longer gets asthma attacks after drinking our milk. The same happened with my sister. It’s proof that goat’s milk is beneficial to health,” Loh claimed.

Loh said goat’s milk tasted better than cow’s milk, though some people thought it tasted awful. “Maybe it’s because of the sour taste. If it’s sour, the milk could have been exposed for too long at room temperature,” Loh explained.

The company also produces organic goat’s milk soap which can last for about a year only as no chemical is used. “It comes with different flavours such as lime, orange, lavender and so forth and is suitable for everyone,” he said of the soap the company started producing a year ago.

For details, call 084-338797 or email tycfarm@gmail.com

Goat Breed

2011-04-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

Couple open their organic farm to young people

2011-01-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Couple open their organic farm to young people

Story and photos by PHILIP HII
philiphii@thestar.com.my

AN INTEGRATED farm has been set up near Sibu by a young couple to promote awareness on loving and caring for the environment especially among young people. Adams Tang Jung Lung and his wife Loh Yu Yee, both 34, said they had committed themselves to protecting the environment by providing opportunities for others to visit their farm which used environment-friendly methods of rearing animals and planting crops.

Noble mission: Tang and Loh’s aim is to carry out environmental protection.

“We must refrain from carrying out activities that cause environmental degradation. Knowledge about environmental protection should be inculcated in our children from a tender age,” said Loh. She said that most urban children did not have much opportunities to get close with nature. “This is why we opened our 35ha farm for group visits,” she said, adding that tours were organised for children to understand various aspects of nurturing the environment to support crops and animals. The couple established TYC Goat and Livestock Farm (TYC Farm) at Km45 of the Sibu-Bintulu Road in 2003.

Valuable products: The farm produces fresh goat’s milk and goat-milk soap for the local market

From the humble beginning of a dozen local goats, the farm has grown to have more than 800 goats and 30 cows. “Our goats are imported from Australia. They include the Boer, Brabados, Saanen, Anglo Nubian and British Alpine species,” Tang told StarMetro. He said the farm no longer needed to import goats as breeding at the farm had been successful.

Nutrient-rich: Ong, who is in charge of producing organic fertiliser, showing a bag of the product

The Saanen, British Alpine and Anglo Nubian were dairy goats while the rest were for meat, he said.

There are more than 200 dairy goats at TYC Farm which produce high-quality fresh milk daily. “We bottle the milk and sell it at organic shops in town. Fresh goat milk is rich in Vitamin A and AHAs which are well known for restorative and rejuvenating properties,” said Loh. She said that the surplus milk was used to make goat-milk soap which was 100% organic with 30% of the ingredients comprising goat’s milk and the rest palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, orange essential oil and lavender essential oil. “The soap is handmade with the highest-quality milk from our farm complemented with the purest vegetable oil and scented with the highest grade imported essential oils,” Loh added.

Productive: The earthworms make two tonnes of organic fertiliser at the farm every month.

She said the soap had advantages over industrial soap as it could stimulate skin regeneration, exfoliate, cleanse, soften and alleviate complexion dullness. It has no artificial colouring or preservatives. Loh was confident that, with more publicity and better packaging, more environment and health-conscious people would use the soap. TYC Farm also supplies goat meat for the local market. “Prices for the meat is stable and we sell it at RM35 to RM45 per kg,” Tang said.

It takes two-and-a-half years for a goat to mature and be ready for slaughter. Imported species such as the Brabados can grow up to 120kg. TYC Farm is almost self-reliant on animal feed. It grows napier grass for the cows while the goat-feed comprises a mixture of corn, sago, rice husk and napier grass. “We grow hybrid corn which is rich in protein and blended it with the other food for the goats,” Tang said, adding that it would be difficult for the farm to be sustainable if it depended on imported animal feed.

Nothing is wasted at TYC Farm. It is uses earthworms in a big way to produce organic fertiliser from animal and plant waste. “We produce two tonnes of organic fertiliser a month. This fertiliser is environmental-friendly, non-toxic, odourless and anti- mildew besides being rich in 17 nutrients which help neutralise the soil ph,” said Ong Yung Chang, who is in charge of producing the fertiliser.He said the earthworms, which were initially imported from Australia, multiplied very fast into large numbers.The fertiliser is packed into 5kg bags and sold at RM10. The husband-wife team plans to expand the farm by rearing fish, rabbits and deer. “We are keen to build facilities like hostels and meeting rooms for visitors who may want to stay overnight at the farm,” the couple said. The farm employs 20 workers. Both Tang and Loh also work for the family’s construction, transportation and ready-mixed concrete businesses.

‘Uniquely Sarawak’ soaps from Goat Milk

2010-11-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

‘Uniquely Sarawak’ soaps

by Ronnie Teo ronnieteo@theborneopost.com. Posted on November 18, 2010, Thursday

Incorporating dabai, sago and rice into soaps to make it native to the state

NATURAL OPTIONS: A compilation of Biotech Synergy’s natural products under the brand names Borneo Botanicals and Nature’s Best.

KUCHING: Venturing into value-added products is one stepping stone to put oneself above competitors, as witnessed by Biotech Synergy Farm Sdn Bhd (Biotech Synergy) in its mission to come up with more products from goat’s milk.

This sentiment was expressed by principal director Cassandra Havelock during her courtesy call on The Borneo Post earlier this week. “Goat’s milk and other dairy products have a quick sell-by date. So, we aim to venture into other possibilities with longer due dates such as soaps, shampoos, moisturisers and so on while making full use of the beneficial qualities of the milk,” she affirmed.

Under the brand name Borneo Botanicals, examples of such forays were the group’s use of distinctive Sarawak additions in its goat’s milk soaps like ‘dabai’ (local olive), sago, pepper, ‘kacangma’ and even local rice varieties such as red rice, black rice, brown rice and Jawa rice.

The group’s joint development efforts with Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) and Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) allowed Biotech Synergy to incorporate local essences to make it native to Sarawak while keeping its products as natural as possible.

One particular highlight that puts Sarawak on the global map, said Cassandra, was ‘dabai’ (scientifically known as Canarium odontophyllum) which was a seasonal fruit indigenous to Sarawak.

“It is an underutilised fruit in the state due to its quick deterioration rate of about three days. People usually consume it when it is in season, but other than that, it goes to waste. We then thought of incorporating it into our goat’s milk soaps and the result was fantastic,” Cassandra said. “Its high content of fat and fatty acids add to the moisturising and hydrating properties of the soap. The fruit is naturally rich in antioxidants and minerals as well.”

In fact, current studies from University Putra Malaysia (UPM) backed this stance, highlighting that the main fatty compositions of ‘dabai’ were very similar to that of palm oil – a common ingredient in soap-making.

“Trial orders of Borneo Botanical Dabai Moisturising Soap and other soaps have already been sent to countries such as France and the principality of Monaco (Monte Carlo). We are currently looking at places such as Qatar next year with Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation),” Cassandra added.

Apart from Borneo Botanicals, the group also has another brand name, Nature’s Best, to cater for users who prefer imported infusions in its soaps like lavender, palmarossa and bergamot on top of shea butter, extra-virgin olive oil, almond oil, avocado and vanilla extracts. “Our farm-made soap produces a dense soap although it does not contain any colouring, fragrance, parabens, propylene glycols, SLS and lather boosters.

“We use the freshest and highest quality ingredients such as Vitamin E which deteriorates slower. This is why even without any artificial preservatives, our soaps can last very long.”

The group’s co-principal director Fred Lee added that they also combined the natural loofah scrub with its soaps to form the one-of-a-kind Doc Loofah scrubs with the aim of uniting the best of both worlds.

“This also helps the local farmers who have hundreds of natural loofah scrubs produced as a side business but with low demand for it,” Lee said. “In a way, our ventures into dabai and loofah scrubs are helping the local economy as well.”

Havelock added, “Next year, we aim to produce goat cheese and be the first goat cheese farm in Sarawak. This will show other farmers not to solely depend on milk as a product.”

Lee stressed on the company’s focus on both downstream as well as upstream processes being the underlying strength of Nature’s Farm’s operational success to date.

“We can work well, because we control the supply chain from the source,” he said. “This goat-rearing venture is not a hobby for us. We put our heart and soul into it. Agriculture is not a sunset industry – we need to change the mindset of the community to realise that.” Thanks to the duo’s innovative ideas and determined zeal, several government bodies and companies are giving grants and awards to in recognition of its well-earned work.

In fact, Sarawak’s Veterinary Services under the Agriculture Department has made the group a model farmer for its admirable practices and innovation.

“In fact Sarawak Biodiversity Centre’s chief operating officer Dr Rita Manurung and her staff have also been giving us the support. We are very fortunate that a lot of depertments that we deal with have given us their strong support and a lot of them offer their expertise and time so that we can strive to be better at what we do,” Lee said.

He added that the group, which had already ventured into making soaps, shampoos, loofah body scrubs and such, was looking to expand its product range to cater to pet care.

“This is a big untapped market, especially for pets that are sensitive to chemicals. We are currently conducting test on pets with positive results,” Lee affirmed.

“Now, we are repositioning our target market to the vegan market. This market is bigger on a global scale. We fit perfectly with our use of strictly-natural products,” Havelock revealed.

In line with this, Nature’s Farm is currently looking for agents throughout the country and abroad to help with its marketing and distribution front.

“We plan to maintain our focus on research and development to come up with variety and other products. Our soap production and sale is now stable in the state so we are now thinking of going nationwide with it.”

Within the next two years, the company hopes to do more value-adding as well as research and development to its business to further implore possibilities.

For further information, call Havelock at 017-2286696 or email to biotechsfarm@yahoo.com.sg.

Biotech Synergy launches new line of bodycare products

2010-07-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

by Ghaz Ghazali
July 31, 2010, Saturday

BETONG: Biotech Synergy Farm Sdn Bhd (Biotech Synergy) has launched its new line of bodycare products made from ‘dabai’ (local olive).

HOMEGROWN PRODUCTS: Cassandra and Lee (second right) handing to the Deputy Chief Minister a hamper of the newly-launched line, Borneo Botanicals. Looking on is ARC’s senior research officer Lau Cheng Yuon (second left).

The Kuching-based company, which owns a dairy goat breeding farm namely Nature’s Farm Company in Siburan, hopes to promote the natural therapeutic properties of the fruit, known scientifically as Canarium odontophyllum, through its range of bar and liquid soaps, moisturisers, lip balm, body lotion, cleansing cream and shampoos.

“Apart from this, we also aim to promote these wonderful nature’s resources to the world, as many ingredients that we’ve used in the products, especially ‘dabai’, are indigenous to Sarawak,” said the company’s principal director Cassandra Havelock during the launching of the products, branded under the name ‘Borneo Botanicals’.She was met by The Borneo Post at the start of the bi-annual state’s level celebration of Hari Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan 2010’ (Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day), which kicked off yesterday at the Dewan Sukan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan here.

The ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, who came on behalf of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. Biotech Synergy’co-principal director Fred Lee added that the main interest in developing ‘dabai’-based products was premised on the fruit’s high mineral content.

“With its high fat content, it’s very suitable in making soap, plus its fatty acid profile has excellent moisturising and hydrating properties. Additionally, its high antioxidant content makes it a soothing treatment for dry, damaged or matured skin. “Through research support from the Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) in Semenggok and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, we are incorporating all these benefits into the processing of Borneo Botanicals bodycare products,” he pointed out.

Apart from ‘dabai’, Borneo Botanicals also include native produce such as Sarawak’s pepper, sago, brown rice, ‘kacang ma’, ‘serai wangi (citronella) and turmeric into its skincare line. Already, the products had been sent to France and the principality of Monaco (Monte Carlo) for trial orders. “We are working closely and actively with Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation), seeking the agency’s advice and services to expand our market overseas by tapping into their market information, seminars, workshops, briefings and business networking,” highlighted Cassandra.

Nutritious Goat Milk Terengganu aims to be top goat producer

2010-04-06T05:53:00.001-07:00

MARANG: The Terengganu government has set a six-year target to establish the largest goat-rearing valley and mutton-producing hub in the country.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said said the state had primed 2015 as the year to attain the target based on current production.

“By 2013, we will generate and supply quality-bred goats to other parts of the country and cover 65% of total local demand,” he said after touring a goat farm raising the Cosmopal breed at the Serating Integrated Agriculture Hub here recently.

Ahmad said the state had five goat breeders farming on a large scale and the number of breeders would soar within a few years with the incentives provided by the state. “We are optimistic that Terengganu will be a goat valley in the next few years,” he said

Meanwhile, Ahmad said that the Serating Agriculture Hub would also be developed as an agro-tourism site. He said the hub had vast potential to lure tourists due to its location and agricultural activities.

More private companies were keen to venture into agriculture-based endeavours at the hub, he added. “The development of a 400ha site into an agro-tourism park at the hub will be carried out in stages,” he said.

Ahmad said the state had also approved an 80ha site for the cultivation of maize. He said the maize produced at the hub would be used as food for the goats.

Goat Farming In Oil Palm

2010-02-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

AGRICULTURE is business. The maxim is firmly embedded in the heart of farmer-cum-entrepreneur Goh Un Keng, 43, who runs a goat farm in Parit Yaani, Yong Peng.

GOH UN KENG: Has 2,000 goats on his farm.From cultivating oil palm, Goh had decided to expand his horizon by breeding goats and marketing its milk.After four years into the venture, he knew he made the right choice.The business has provided good returns, plus the fulfilling reward of successfully breeding jamnapari goats, a breed suitable for meat and dairy."These goats are amazing because they respond to you.

"It makes the job very rewarding," he said.His farm, U Keng Farming Sdn Bhd, sits on a 1.2ha oil palm estate.It has 2,000 goats and is open to the public for tours."I believe it is important to educate the young about goat farming and the goodness of goat's milk."So, at this farm, we offer free tours to schoolchildren and groups who are interested to learn more about modern farming and dairy production."The farm utilises biotechnology applications, such as microorganisms, to eliminate smell, control fungus and harmful bacteria and improve dairy production.

During the tour, visitors are exposed to modern land optimisation techniques, which produce a high yield of milk daily.The milk is collected, bottled and packed in sterile conditions in the farm."We always improvise the technology to improve the taste and quality of the milk," said Goh."We are very grateful to the supervision, technical support and advice from the Batu Pahat Veterinary Services Department."Tour highlights also include observing kids being fed, mother goats tending their newborn calves, milking of goats in the paddock and the milk pasteurisation and bottling process.Visitors can try their hand at feeding and milking the goats.

Goh said although the bottled goats' milk from the farm was certified for export, he was concentrating on supplying supermarkets in Johor Baru and Batu Pahat.The farm is located in a remote area and visitors must book an appointment for a tour.For more information, call the farm at 07-4847222 or 07-4847999, visit www.jamnapari.com or email .

http://jutawanternak.blogspot.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

2010-01-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

Let welcome 2010 with good health, prosperity, wealth, love, happiness, success and everything that you wanted and didn't get in 2009. Live to love each other for friends and relatives. Surround yourself with generosity, criticises less, contribute more and work the talk.

Love those that matters most in your life. Put God ahead of everything you do as only Him can give the rewards that we all desire the most.

Happy New Year 2010. May this new year brings you good health, lots of happiness and success in all your undertaking.

From Adrian

GOAT FARMING IN MALAYSIA

Dorper in Australia

A hidden dragon among the goats-by Raymond Tan

Mdm Hii Goat Farm in Bawang Assan

Mdm Hii Goat Farm in Bawang Assan

Mr Ngu Goat Farm

Goat Pellet

Goat Pellet

Nature's Farm Introduces New Line of Chemical-free Soaps

PPNT Turns Goat Manure Into Organic Fertiliser

Goat semen in good use

Imported Boer Goat From Australia to Sarawak

Boar Goat In Sarawak

Borneo To The World

Goat Farming & the Black Gold

Goat's Milk Ice Cream

Katjang Goat

Goat Milk

Goat Breed

Couple open their organic farm to young people

Couple open their organic farm to young people

Story and photos by PHILIP HII philiphii@thestar.com.my

‘Uniquely Sarawak’ soaps from Goat Milk

‘Uniquely Sarawak’ soaps

Biotech Synergy launches new line of bodycare products

Nutritious Goat Milk Terengganu aims to be top goat producer

Goat Farming In Oil Palm

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

Story and photos by PHILIP HII
philiphii@thestar.com.my