At just 24 years old, Ron Pagud has already achieved what many young entrepreneurs only dream of. This young goat farmer from Loay, Bohol, has turned a simple request from his father during the height of the pandemic into a thriving agribusiness, thanks to hard work, passion, and a little help from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

In 2020, while many were grappling with the challenges of the pandemic, Ron found a new purpose. “My father asked me to feed our goats, and that simple task sparked a passion in me,” Ron recalls. Instead of spending hours playing mobile games, he devoted his time to caring for the goats. This newfound love for farming diverted him from idle pastimes to something more productive and fulfilling.

Ron, an entrepreneurship graduate who was awarded Cum Laude, leveraged his
academic background and his passion for goats to start his own goat farm. Initially, he started small, with only three goats. But with big dreams and a clear vision, he knew he needed more resources to expand.

That’s where the ACPC's Young Agripreneur Loan Program came into play. Through the municipality of Loay, Ron discovered this opportunity. Being a member of the Bohol Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC), one of ACPC's partner lending conduits, he applied for a loan. “I was able to secure a loan of P500,000 pesos with no interest and no collateral, payable in five years,”; Ron shares with a smile.

This loan was a game-changer. It allowed him to build proper facilities for his goats and purchase more livestock.

With a strategic plan and relentless dedication, Rons goat farm began to flourish. He invested in pure breed Anglo Nubian goats, known for their quality meat and milk.

“Using the internet to market my goats has been a significant advantage. Facebook has a wide reach, making it easier to find buyers,” Ron explains.

To enhance his knowledge and skills, Ron turned to online resources and even attended a training in Pampanga, where he learned the ins and outs of goat farming. He is very hands-on, ensuring that he is always there to manage every aspect of his farm.

Of course, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. “There was a time when many of my goats got sick and died because I didn’t know how to handle them. It was a tough learning experience, but I eventually figured it out, “Ron says. Through perseverance and constant learning, he overcame these hurdles and significantly reduced losses.