Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development


CARD Project Progress Report



010/06VIE
Nghe An Province
Sustainable village based beef cattle development
Training and Extension Programme


MS2: FIRST SIX-MONTHLY REPORT


Page 1 of 55
Table of Contents

1. Institute Information ___________________________________________________ 3
2. Project Abstract _______________________________________________________ 4
3. Executive Summary ____________________________________________________ 4
4. Introduction & Background _____________________________________________ 4
5. Progress to Date_______________________________________________________ 7
5.1 Implementation Highlights_________________________________________________
5.2 Smallholder Benefits _____________________________________________________ 9
5.3 Capacity Building _______________________________________________________ 9
5.4 Publicity _______________________________________________________________ 9
5.5 Project Management _____________________________________________________ 9
6. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues__________________________________________ 10

6.1 Environment __________________________________________________________ 10
6.2 Gender and Social Issues ________________________________________________ 10
7. Implementation & Sustainability Issues ___________________________________ 10
7.1 Issues and Constraints___________________________________________________ 11
7.2 Options _______________________________________________________________ 11
7.3 Sustainability __________________________________________________________ 12
8. Next Critical Steps ____________________________________________________ 13
9. Conclusion __________________________________________________________ 13

10. Statuatory Declaration

11. Reports
Report A. Background and Base Date report - March 2077
Report B. Situation Analysis for Cattle in Nghia Dan District
Report C. Workshop and Demonstrations
Report D. Nghe An Province Beef Project - P Rolston

12. Appendices
Appendix A - Evaluation of Pasture Demonstration

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1. Institute Information
Project Name
Nghe An Province, sustainable village
based beef cattle development, training
and extension project.
Vietnamese Institution
19 May Fruit & Vegetable Co
Vietnamese Project Team Leader
Mr Diep

Australian Organisation
AusAID
Australian Personnel
Mr Tim Harvey
Date commenced
February 2007
Completion date (original)
December 2009
Completion date (revised)
-
Reporting period
First six months

Contact Officer(s)
In Australia: Team Leader
Name:
Mr Tim Harvey
Telephone:
00 64 6 350 5119
Position:
Director
Fax:
00 64 6 350 5646
Organisation
Massey University
Email:


In Australia: Administrative contact
Name:

Mr M Peters
Telephone:

Position:
Director
Fax:

Organisation
Research Management Services
Email:


In Vietnam
Name:
Mr Toan
Telephone:

Position:
Project Coordinator
Fax:

Organisation
BCFRC
Email:


Page 3 of 55
2. Project Abstract



















The Beef Cattle Development Plan for 2010 (No1155/QD-UB Nghe An) was introduced in May
2003. The plan set objectives to increase beef production, use crossbreeding to introduce new
breeds and improve rural incomes. The traditional VN beef industry is based on very small
household farmlets, grazing waste land; this model has proved unsustainable. This project will
look at developing a sustainable, economic village based beef farming model to improve long-term
meat supply, and improve incomes. This project will design, implement and evaluate the village
based beef farming system in the Nghe An Region. The project will be based around a small
nucleus (demonstration) farm and three rural villages, which have below average household income
levels (Nghia Lam, Nghia Son and Nghia Quang).

Smallholders have very little land (on average 5000 m
2
), and therefore increasing beef nutrition and
land size will be reliant on the utilisation of crop residue and bi-products. The technology of silage

making is not practiced in the area. The development of this technology will be essential to make
beef production viable and profitable in this area. The project team will work with local
collaborators to establish best on-farm practice for this regions beef industry
3. Executive Summary
The quality of beef cattle fodder in the Nghia Don district is placing major restrictions on the
number of cattle smallholders can manage. The nutrient value of the fodders (especially over
the dry period) is also a limiting factor to both the number of cattle fed over winter, the
productivity of the animals and the quality of the meat produced.

Smallholders have very little land (0.3 - 8ha) with the average holding only 5000m
2
therefore
the opportunity to plant larger areas of cattle fodder is limited. Crop residues and bi-products
from crop processing are available in the area and these are used as cattle fodder. However,
their availability is very seasonal. There is real potential to grow the beef cattle industry in
Nghia Don if the nutrient value of this crop residue and bi-products can be captured and
stored so they are available in the dry season.

There is considerable international experience in conservation of cattle fodder through
fermentation of a wide range of bi-products and fodder types. The project has started by
making silage in big plastic bags, to demonstrate the process. The project made silage from
sugar cane tops (SCT) and Elephant grass adding molasses and salt. There is potential to
explore a range of other silages, such as, Green Maize, Maize Stover + N, Peanut Top,
Cassava Top, Cassava Pulp and Pineapple Pulp.

The quality of most of the Tropical grasses are very low and traditional harvesting methods
means the metabolizable energy ME (MJ/Kg) is low and fibre levels high. There is a need to
identify legumes, grasses and crops that will provide low cost options to increase the ME of
the fodders on offer.


The Ministry of Agriculture has undertaken a crossbreeding programme in the District to
increase the size and productivity of the local cattle. A Sindhi cross breeding programme has
Page 4 of 55
been successful with approximately 30% of the cattle now carrying either 1/4, 6/10 or ½
Sindhi genetics. The Sindhi breed is a milking breed from Pakistan (and India). The
crossing programme has increased the animal size and milking ability but has done little to
increase the quality of the beef produced. There will need to be considerable thought and
discussion over the next six months so sound recommendations can be developed for the
introduction of new beef genetic into the district.

The inception visit has increased the knowledge of the Team and a good base has been
established on which to build and extend benefit to the local smallholders.

4. Introduction & Background
Introduction
The inception project visit was undertaken between 26 Feb and 20 March 2007. The project
team for this trip were-: Tim Harvey (Project Manager and Animal Specialist) and Phil
Rolston (Pasture & Developmental Specialist) both from NZ.

The project team from Vietnam were Mr. Diep (Director 19 May Co), Mr Huong, Md Hoa,
Mr Vinnh, Mr Heep, Mr Li, and two other company technicians, Mr Toan (Project
Coordinator) first 3 days only and Mr Taˆm Hoang van

Background
The project is funded by CARD (Collaboration for Agriculture and Rural Development
program in collaboration with Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Develop. The
project is through Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

The Vietnamese counterpart is the 19 May Company, an old (1958) ex-state farm and
incorporated in 1995. The company has approx 1100 ha of land mainly in horticulture. The

19
th
May Co is primarily involved in the contract production and sale of oranges. It has land
that includes rubber and sugar cane production. It has a small number of cattle (mainly
owned by the workers). The Company provides employment to a high % of the surrounding
villages. The company also has a strong social (political) responsibility to support the local
district and provide training and assistance. The company is one of the top SOE companies
in Nghe An district.

Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam (300 km south of Hanoi) is one of the poorer
areas of the country. Many households raise a few cattle and in the Province there has been
successful cross breeding of the small framed local yellow cattle with Indian Sinh cattle.
Cattle nutrition is seen as a limitation to increased profitability from cattle. Cattle offer
farmers an opportunity to diversify incomes.

Three project villages in the Nghia Dan district were selected; Nghia Son; Nghia Lam; Nghia
Yen (see outline below). The Nghia Dan area has been selected as suitable for beef cattle
production and over the last 5 years the local Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has undertaken a
programme to strengthen cattle production in the area. The MoA has undertaken some
training, special credit arrangements for farmers purchasing cattle, introduction the Sindhi
breed and a breeding policy that has support artificial insemination (AI) and upgraded village
bulls.

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Physical situation and environment
Location
The three project villages are around the “19
th
May Co.” near Nghia Dan town at latitude
19

o
2’ N; longitude 105
o
4’ E (about 300 km south of Hanoi).
Topography
The topography is easy rolling hills, mostly cultivatable; altitude ca 60m above sea level.
Soils
The red soils are deep (usually more than 2 m), clay loams that are relatively fertile. Farmers
use little fertilizer on forages, but high amounts on some vegetables, e.g. on water melon a
mix of animal manure 10 T/ha plus NPK (10:3:8) 1000 kg/ha. The soil pH range is 5.8 to 6.5
(up to 7.0 in some sites). The natural phosphorous (P) level is high. Animal manure plays an
important role and is in short supply.
Climate
The area has four seasons, although winters (Oct, Nov & Dec) are mild and frost free. The
Province suffers from frequent severe floods and typhoons. The annual rainfall in the project
area is 1565 mm. The monthly distribution is similar to Hanoi with high rainfall in the
months of May to September. Temperatures also peak during this period averaging between
31 and 33 C but as high as 41 C.


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5. Progress to Date
5.1 Implementation Highlight
The project objectives for the first visit are:

1. Objective:
To establish a base (small office) at the 19 May Co from which
the project team work and build a strong supportive relationship with
the local community.
Output :

One room at the 19 May Co was made available for the project; the
project purchased a desk, lockable cupboard and a small table and
chairs. The company has developed a small accommodation block
to allow visitors to stay close to the project. Some local high school
children joined the team for some sessions, and a strong relationship
was developed with the one of the local high school English teacher,
who assisted with interpreting for the project.
2. Objective:
To confirm the three project villages and work with the village leaders Women’s fed
and Farmer assoc to select 3 farming families at each village as the key project farmers
(KPF).
Output:
The district office and all 3 village community offices were visited and the team
introduced. Short discussions on social, community and agriculture were undertaken.

3. Objective:
To collect base data from Village leaders and interview over 20 farmers to evaluate the
present situation and gain understanding of farming methods.
Output:
Base data will be built up from the following areas: -

4. Family 5. Income
6. Land 7. Cropping
8. Assets 9. Fodder
10. Labour 11. Animal disease
12. Animal 13.








Twenty three farmer families were visited in their homes over a one week
period, inspection of cattle and cropping was undertaken.









Page 7 of 55




4. Objective:
To set up arrange of demonstrations

a. Collecting live weights of cattle and use of weigh scales and girth tape :-
Output:
Limit physical data was collect from the village cattle due to difficult handling the
cattle when out grazing. Cattle were assessed for condition score and 13 company
cattle weighed and condition scored as a capacity building exercise.

b. Making of silage in plastic bags from Sugar cane top and buffalo grass :
Output:

A ½ day demonstration and ½ day workshop were completed on silage making see
report

c. Plant demonstration pasture trials of Lucerne, Ruzi, TD58, black bean; under trees,
between trees and on bareland area.
Output:
All demonstration site were planted out as planned.

6. Objective:
To undertake training (3 x training days) introducing the
following concepts:
d. Animal Nutrition
e. Feed conservation (silage)
f. Feed budgeting
Output:
This activity was undertaken with 3 x 1/2 day
workshops;
• One with 38 farmers attending on silage and cattle
nutrient
• One with 18 company technical staff attending on beef development feed
budgeting and farm planning
• One with the local extension officer and 4 animal technicians attending on feed
management in the village and cattle breeding

7. Objective:
To start developing a relationship with Hanoi Agricultural University :-
Output:
Two visits were undertaken and a student was selected to join the project to undertake
their field training.
Page 8 of 55


8. Objective:
Develop a 6 month plan for each project village and company
Output
Project plans developed and action list completed

5.2 Smallholder Benefits
The local farmers have not been introduced to the making of silage before, some had heard
about it but do not have the technology. The farmers also have little understanding of
nutrient balancing and the concept of balancing feeds for Protein fibre and Starch. Farmers at
the workshop were give big plastic bags to undertake small home trials. The real benefits to
the small holders will not start to follow until the next visit. There is real possibilities to
increase cattle nutrition through the use of bi-products in the area e.g. Sugar Cane Top,
Cassava Top, Pineapple Pulp, Cassava Pulp and Maize Stover.

5.3 Capacity Building
• The Hanoi Agriculture University was visited and a senior student was invited the join
the project team for 3 months to undertake his study field work and practical project.
This has provided the student with a great
opportunity to be involved and exposed to
international development work.
• One of the local high school teacher’s has spent 2 weeks (afternoons only) working as
an interpreter for the project, this has exposed him to English as first language speakers.
• The local technicians have been involved in laying down trial plots using international
methods.
• Staff from the 19 may Co are been exposed to the NZ team and the work cultures and
concepts of international development work.
• The NZ team has been exposed to the Vietnamese culture and have a better application
of the social and local environment. The project leader was taken to the typical village
home for the 2

nd
of May family celebrations.

5.4 Publicity
The provincial TV station attended one of the workshops and aired a 5 minute information
segment. The provincial Director of Agriculture from Vinnh City; The Vice Chairman of the
peoples committee of Nghe An province; and all the local village leaders all visited the
project office to provide support for the project. The project office will be have CARD
(AusAid) signage put up on the next visit

5.5 Project Management
The project is well established, with an office, and internet connection. A management
structure is in place and agreements set up on a visit by visit basis on service provision and
support. Land has been made available for demonstrations and our counterpart has been fully
Page 9 of 55
involved at all levels of the project. The visit was well organised and most activities could
take place as planned

Without Mr Toan’s involvement in the project for this one trip, it was difficult to involve the
BCFRC in the implementation of the project. I would hope that at the next visit a visit to
BCFRC can be arranged and a small seminar and discussions can be held at the institute.

The budget has proved to be very tight with the cost of international travel and the high NZ:
AUST exchange rate. Also the need to employ additional interpreters for this visit has added
some costs. This is been managed at by the project leader at this time.

9. Report on Cross-Cutting Issues
6.1 Environment
There are some environmental concerns identified by the project team:


 The cassava processing factory was producing large quantities of pulp waste. The
liquid from the pulp was leaching out and could contaminate local water supplies. If the
pulp could be used more effectively by making silage for beef cattle there could be
environmental benefits.
 The making of silage can have its own problems with leaching of acidic liquid into the
environment. This will need to be monitored and managed within the project.
 The use of plastic bags and plastic covers for silage making can add to the
environmental contamination if recycling is not managed
 The increase in animal numbers is usually positive to the environment, increasing the
use of animal manure rather than chemical fertilizer. Village farmers put a high value
on animal manure and most of the animal waste is returned to the land and very little
contaminates local water ways.

6.2 Gender and Social Issues
There are no women farmer technicians in any the villages at present, however the
women undertake a lot of the animal work. The number of women attending the
demonstration and workshops was approx one third of the total which was pleasing. At
the next visit there will need to be a discussion with the leaders of the Women’s
Federation in each village to see if the participation of women in the project can be
increased.

10. Implementation & Sustainability Issues
There is only one active animal extension officer in the district. Mr Li has an excellent
understanding of the local situation and carries out most of the training in cattle breeding and
nutrient in the area. The level of expertise of the local village farmer technicians is relatively
low. There is relatively good farmer support for farmers raising animals in two of the village
farmer but the third is only just starting to undertake training of farmer technicians.
Page 10 of 55
Extension of the project technologies may be difficult to achieve outside the local district,
due to lack of ToT’s.


The 19 May Company has not started to develop the small beef breeding herd to date. A part
of the first workshop was focused on the development of an implementation plan for the
companies beef project.

At this point in time it does not put the project at risk, however, if there is no change by
September 2007 then, discussions with the CARD office will be required.

7.1 Issues and Constraints
Dairy production
Vin Milk (SOE Corporation) is about to sign an agreement with the 19
th
May Co to establish
a 2,000 cow dairy farm on 50ha of company land.

There is a high risk in this venture due to the following factors-:
2,000 cows plus 800 female progeny is a very large operation and given the poor results from
other Holstein based dairy operation in tropical regions the risk is high. Vin Milk may have
the expertise to manage this operation and have the company size to put in a strong
management team, however it will have an impact on the district.

These cows will require approx 8,000 ton of DM of fodder per year. Also 2,000 cows will
require large quantities of bi-product, or imported feed. The enterprize will take land out of
cropping into dairy cattle fodder production. It will also decrease the quality of bi-product
available to the local farmers, increasing beef production costs, especially the cost of feed.

800 female progeny cattle will need to be raised by the operation or contract reared by local
farmers.

800 male cattle will come onto the market – Europe Holsteins cross animals are hard to rear

and expensive. One question is, will there be a market for these animals or will they be
slaughtered at 4 days of age.

It is estimated that 8,000 ton of DM fodder will need to come from bi-product (50%) and the
other 50% from grass and crop product, the land required to provide high quality feed (not
just bulk) for grass and special cattle fodder crops is estimated at approx 250 to 300 ha of
land, well above the 50 Ha allocated.

Foot and Mouth
Foot and Mouth disease has been present in the district with an outbreak in Nghia Loc,
Quigih Liu and around Vinh City in 2005-2006. The disease was controlled by vaccination,
however, the outbreak lead to panic selling of beef in the surrounding areas, driving prices
down. Vaccination is undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and individual farmers
cannot vaccinate if not in a controlled area. The risks are high and as farmers use cattle as a
“banking system” for savings the risks are high.
7.2 Options
Opportunities to develop the beef industry and increase nutrient levels:
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The use of traditional fodder crops for silage making is definitely a possibility, however there
are a range of other possibilities as follows:-

The Local Factory processes approx. 30,000 – 40,000 tons of pineapple per year (200 ton/day
capacity). The bi-product pulp is available to farmers “free”.

None of the project farmer interviewed used pineapple pulp as cattle feed – even with it being
available “free”. This factor highlights the need to do more research into the quality of this
bi-product, its nutrient value, and any possible dietary problems associated with the product.
Some research has been undertaken in NZ using wet pulps for silage made by layering them
between straw or hay to reduce the wet matter.


Cassava pulp is also available in the district from a processing plant. The use and availability
of this bi-product will need to be assessed over the next 6-months. The cassava pulp was not
used by farmers interviewed and more investigation is required to assess the potential for this
product. The top of the cassava is also a bi-product of the cassava crop. Approximately
10,000 tonnes of cassava is produced in this area. Bavi BCFRC has undertaken some
research into making this bi-product into silage. The fresh re-growth of cassava is however
very poisonous to animals (cattle) and humans. More investigation is required into its
potential.

Other bi-products available in the area are soybean waste and peanut skin; little is known
about the potential of these bi-products.

The project farmers reported using some soybean for feed (approx 20% - 4:23). Orange crop
processing bi-product – at present the district produces about 5,000 tonne of oranges. All
fruit is sold as fresh, with a small amount going into cool storage for sale later. If a juicing
plant was established in the area maybe as a Joint Venture (JV) with Vin Milk or the
pineapple processing plant; the orange pulp would be a useful bi-product for cattle feed and
adding to silage mixes
7.3 Sustainability
Weather fluctuation
Weather fluctuations are an issue, this area of Vietnam has bad tropical storms, especially
closer to the coast. Flooding can be an issue and the dry season can be very variable with
spring weather difficult to predict.

Change in Land Use
The farmers are very reliant on oranges, coffee, sugar cane and rubber with approx 60% of all
income coming from these crops. The sugar cane top is fed to cattle and buffalo up to approx
5-months making up 20-60% of there diet, depending on of cattle are grazed on the hill.

If the sugar cane area was markedly reduced then farmers would have to grow alternative

feed i.e. maize.

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11. Next Critical Steps
The planning and objectives that need to be undertaken are outline below in two parts one
covering the next steps and outcome to be undertaken between the first and second visits and
then a set of objectives and plans for the second visit: -
The project objectives between the first and second visits are as follows: -

(i) Have Mr Vinh (Student from Hanoi University) undertake the evaluation of Pasture
Trial (demo). (See Pasture evaluation report).
(ii) The NZ Team research the nutrient value of Pineapple Pulp and Cassava Pulp and
international trials on silage using these bi-products.
(iii) Have the Project Manager (Mr Diep), finalised the Key Project Farmers (3 x 3.9).
(See attached list).
(iv) Arrange for 9 x 3 well liners (mini silage tanks 1.2m
3
) to be purchased and three
delivered to each Key Project Farmer. The well liners will be used for silage at the
next visit (See second visit plan).
(v) Chopper. Have one forage chopper built as soon as possible. Test the machine on
Sugar Cane Top, Yellow Stem Corn and Elephant Grass. If successful, build two
more choppers before the next visit.
(vi) Arrange for twelve well liners on company at one
site for silage evaluation at next
visit.

Objective List for second visit: -

(i) Evaluate the three chopping machines and test and modify if required.

(ii) Inspect pasture trial sites and evaluate and analyse samples.
(iii) Hold workshops at demonstration sites for Farmers (if successful).
(iv) Hold workshops for farmers (in training centre) on feed nutrient and silage making.
(v) Visit three villages and demonstrate silage making in well liners.
(vi) Visit Pineapple Processing Factory to discuss bi-product availability and nutrient
levels distribution.
(vii) Visit Cassava Processing Factory to discuss bi-product availability and nutrient levels
distribution.

12. Conclusion
The project is progressing well with good support from its Vietnamese counterpart. The
concepts that the project were built on are robust, cattle nutrition is a major limitation to beef
production, there is opportunity to improve nutrient though the use and conservation of bi-
produces and crop residues. There is a need to review and develop a new cattle breeding
strategy for the district.

13. Reports
A Background and Base Date Report – March 2007
B Situation Analysis for Cattle in Nghia Dan District
C Workshops and Demonstrations
D Situation Analysis – Pastures and Feed – Phil Rolston
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14. Appendices
A Evaluation of Pasture Demonstration


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Report A

Background and Base Date Report

March 2007

Page 15 of 55
Background and Base Date Report – March 2007

Nghia Dan District
Mr Long – Vice Chairman of district peoples Committee
Mr Hai – Director of Agriculture
Mr Hong – Vice director of Agriculture and Forestry Department
Mr Toa – Director of district extension office
Mr Lie – Senior extension officer

Nghia Dan District located in the north of the Nghe An Province in a hilly area. It has 75,000
of fertile land. The main production is Sugar cane, rubber, coffee, oranges, water melon and
cattle. It has: - 30,000 Buffalo
29,000 Beef Cattle
11,000 Goat
54,000 Pigs

The district is one of the most fertile in the province with good basalt soils with ph ranging
from 5.8 to 6.6. The potential for development of beef farming is very good. The district has
had in place a cattle breeding strategy for the last 4 years with the introduction of Sindhi
cattle via AI and natural mating. Most villages have a f2 – f3 Sindhi bull.


Main crops: - sugar cane, rice, oranges, water melon, corn, cassava, pineapple and peanut.
In the area there are processing plants for: - Sugar cane, Pineapple, Cassava
Village 1 = Nghia Son
Mr Tu General Secretary (also Chairman of People’s Congress)
Mr ??? Chairman of Village People’s Committee
Location in Nghe An District 1km from 19 May co
Population 3000
No Families 800 (80% agricultural worker)
Families with beef cattle 160 families have beef cattle (total 400) 600 buffalo
Average No of cattle 2.5 (lto 20)
Village Divided into five sections (sub-villages)
Technicians 1 x Agricultural and 1 x Animal for village – all men
Technicians 1 x Farmer for each section – all men
University Students 20 students studying at university
Average price of cattle At sale – 2,000,000 VND
Associations Farmer Association in place but no Farmer Cooperatives
Poverty Line 5% of families are below the provinces official poverty line













Page 16 of 55
Village 2 = Nghia Lam
Mr Nhan General Secretary (also Chairman of People’s Congress)
Mr Sinh Chairman of Village People’s Committee
Location in Nghe An District 2km from 19 May co
Population 8000
No Families 1400 (80% agricultural worker)
Land Area 3100 ha
Families with beef cattle 350 families have beef cattle (total 700) 1300 buffalo
Average No of cattle 2.5 (lto 20)
Village Divided into seventeen sections (sub-villages)
Technicians 1 x Agricultural and 1 x Animal for village – all men
Technicians 1 x Farmer for each section – all men
Average price of cattle At sale – 2,000,000 VND
Associations Farmer Association in place in each section but no Farmer
Cooperatives
Poverty Line 25% of families are below the provinces official poverty line














Village 3 - Nghia Yen
Mr Phu (Phan van) General Secretary (also Chairman of People’s Congress)
Mr Phue (Hoang van) Chairman of Village People’s Committee
Md Chu Chairperson of Woman’s Federation
Location in Nghe An District 5km from 19 May co
Population 6000
No Families 1200 (85% agricultural worker)
Land Area 3447ha
Families with beef cattle 350 families have beef cattle (total 780) 1600 buffalo, 1800
goats, 3500 pigs
Average No of cattle 2.0 (l to 53)
Village Divided into fourteen sections (sub-villages)
Technicians 1 x Agricultural and 1 x Animal for village
Technicians 0 x Farmer for each section, only starting training in livestock
Average price of cattle At sale – 2,000,000 VND
Associations Farmer Association in place in each section but no Farmer
Cooperatives
Poverty Line 53% of families are below the provinces official poverty line,
this is the poorest village in the area.

Page 17 of 55
Summary of Base Line data

Introduction
Twenty-three smallholder farmers were interviewed over a one week period from 1st March
2007. The farmers selected all had beef cattle as a production system. This selection was not
totally random as we tried to get a cross section of smallholders.

Three different villages were selected in a 12Km radius of the 19 May Co. The villages were
approximately 25Km from Nghia Dan townships, and therefore were classified as rural

villages.

The three villages were very different ranging from 5% under the district poverty line to
52%. All villages had a high percentage of ethic minority people.

Base Data
Family size and number of children were very similar, however land area owned varied,
ranging from 2000m
2
to 80,000m
2
. (see figure 1.)

Nghia Yen smallholders had the largest land areas, but were the poorest of the smallholders.
Large areas of the Nghia Yen village were hillside and planted in Truber trees.

Nghia San village was the wealthiest village with high cash crop income. Most of the
smallholders had changed from taking their cattle out to graze on the common grazing land to
a cut and carry system reducing labour, but increasing feed costs.

House type, age of house was similar for Nghia Son and Nghia Yen, however, Hghia Lam
had more modern houses and with average age of 12.1 years vs approximately 20 years for
the other two villages.

Electric water pumps, refrigerators, freezers and phones were also a good indicator of wealth
and development. (see figure 2.)

Land use differed greatly between the three villages. Nghia San had very little land for rice,
most of the cash crops were fruit trees, with very little land set aside for Elephant Grass.
Nghia Lam had good areas of rice land, large areas of sugar cane, water melons and most

farmers had an area of Elephant Grass for feeding cattle.

Nghia Yen had good areas of rice and larger areas of land for cash crops (Sugar Cane,
Cassawa, Rubber, Coffee). It was the only village with large areas of Timber Trees (see
figure III).

Although the smallholders selected were all beef producers, the area of land dedicated to
growing crop and pasture for cattle was very low (3.3% on average). This represented 132m
2

by cattle owned (7 per family). This highlights the reliance that the farmers place on crop
residue, bi-products and grazing common grazing land.

If beef production is to increase there will need to be a small increase in dedicated land for
growing cattle feed. However, crop residue and bi-products will still form the majority of
cattle feed. Therefore, a focus on conservation of this type of feed and improvements in the
feed quality.
Page 18 of 55
Page 19 of 55
The average number of cattle per smallholder for the twenty-three farmers interviewed was 7
cattle. When asked what were the restrictions to growing the cattle enterprise, the order of
responses were: -

• Lack of food over the Dry Season
• Lack of labour to graze with cut cattle feed.
• Lack of investment money to buy more cattle.
• High risk with Foot and Mouth and price fluctuations been experienced over the last
few years.











FIGURE 1

Base Line Data Family name No Family No Children Land Area Grazing Cattle Recommendation
Project 10/06 vn Ho va ten Tong so nguio So con trong gia dinh Tong dien tich dat Ti le chant ha Tong so bo Danh gia
1

Nghia Son
NGUYEN VAN
THO
5 1 15000 80% 6 ? Medium recommendations
2

Nghia Son
NGUYEN THIEN
TUNG
4 2 8600 80% 3 X Not recommended
3

Nghia Son
NGUYEN VAN
CAP
5 3 5700 80% 7 Y Strong recommendation

4 Nghia Son LE VAN HANG 5 2 5000 80% 3 X Not recommended
5

Nghia Son
NGUYEN THI
HUONG
4 2 1800 30% 5 Y Strong recommendation
6 Nghia Son DOAN THI HIEN 6 3 10000 70% 5 Y Strong recommendation
7

Nghia Son
NGUYEN SINH
TRUNG
5 3 2000 70% 6 N Not recommended
Nghia Son 4.9 2.3 6871 5.0
8 Nghia Lam
NGUYEN HUY
THE 3 1 2000 0% 2 N Not recommended
9 Nghia Lam DINH BA KIP 4 2 6120 50% 4 Y Strong recommendation
10 Nghia Lam PHAN DINH KY 5 3 30000 30% 5 Y Strong recommendation
11 Nghia Lam PHAN DUC HAI 4 2 30000 80% 7 ? Medium recommendation
12 Nghia Lam PHAN VAN BAY 5 4 20000 30% 9 N Not recommended
13

Nghia Lam
DUONG VAN
TINH
7 3 25000 30% 8 ? Medium recommendation
14


Nghia Lam
PHAN DINH
DUNG
5 3 20000 15% 3 ? Medium recommendation
15 Nghia Lam TRINH HAI LY 5 3 20000 30% 2 Y Strong recommendation
16 Nghia Lam
NGUYEN VAN
HIEN 5 3 30000 20% 6 N Not recommended
Nghia Yen Total 4.8 2.7 20347 5.1
17 Nghia Yen LE MINH LY 8 5 80000 80% 16 Y Strong recommendation
18 Nghia Yen LE VAN KIEM 4 4 20000 80% 15 ? Medium recommendation
19

Nghia Yen
DINH PHUOC
SON
6 2 80000 80% 8 N Not recommended
20 Nghia Yen BUI HUU SON 54 1 80000 50% 21 Y Strong recommendation
21 Nghia Yen HOANG CHI 4 1 60000 60% 3 N Not recommended
22

Nghia Yen
NGUYEN VAN
NHO
4 2 70000 80% 11 ? Medium recommendation
23

Nghia Yen
NGUYEN DUC
LUU

7 4 30000 30% 4 Y Strong recommendation
Nghia Yen Total 5.4 2.7 60000 11.1
5.0 2.6 29073 7.1
Page 20 of 55
FIGURE 2

Base Line Data Family name
Total
Area
House
Wet
Land
(Rice)

Rubber Coffee Oranges
Lichie
Fruit
Other
Fruit
Trees
Sugar
Cane
Water
Melon
Cassava Corn
Other
Cash
Crops
Elephant
Grass

Other
Pasture
Trees
Project 10/06 vn Ho va ten
1 Nghia Son
NGUYEN VAN
THO 15000 500 7000 8000
2 Nghia Son
NGUYEN THIEN
TUNG 8600 1600 7000
3 Nghia Son
NGUYEN VAN
CAP 5700 1000 4000 500
4 Nghia Son LE VAN HANG 5000 2500 2500
5 Nghia Son
NGUYEN THI
HUONG 1800 400 500 500 500
6 Nghia Son DOAN THI HIEN 10000 1000 5000 4000
7

Nghia Son
NGUYEN SINH
TRUNG
2000 1000 1000

Nghia
Son
Total 48100 4500 7000 0 0 130000 0 15000 4000 0 0 0 4000 1000 0 0
8


Nghia Lam
NGUYEN HUY
THE
2000 200 1800
9 Nghia Lam DINH BA KIP 5120 200 3000 2000 1000
10 Nghia Lam PHAN DINH KY 30000 200 1600 28000 500 1000
11 Nghia Lam PHAN DUC HAI 30000 200 2500 25000 500 4000
12 Nghia Lam PHAN VAN BAY 20000 200 500 3500 16000 500
13 Nghia Lam
DUONG VAN
TINH 25000 200 500 20000 5000 1000
14 Nghia Lam
PHAN DINH
DUNG 20000 250 2000 15000 5000 1000
15 Nghia Lam TRINH HAI LY 20000 100 1000 18500 500
16

Nghia Lam
NGUYEN VAN
HIEN
30000 100 2000 3000 18000 1000 1000

Nghia
Yen
Total 183120 1650 10100 0 0 3000 3000 0 109500 27000 0 2500 20300 6500 0 4000
17 Nghia Yen LE MINH LY 80000 100 15000 14000 1500 50000
18 Nghia Yen LE VAN KIEM 20000 100 1500 3000 10000 7000
19

Nghia Yen

DINH PHUOC
SON
80000 100 1500 10000 2000 10000 3000 50000
20 Nghia Yen BUI HUU SON 80000 400 1500 10000 30000 4000 40000
21 Nghia Yen HOANG CHI 60000 400 2500 5000 20000 14000 1500 20000
22 Nghia Yen
NGUYEN VAN
NHO 70000 1000 5000 5500 20000 3000 35000
23 Nghia Yen
NGUYEN DUC
LUU 30000 400 3000 1500 8500 3500 3500 1000 12000
Page 21 of 55
Nghia Yen Total 420000 2500 15000 10000 5000 17000 7000 0 50000 27000 52500 13500 3500 14000 0 214000
651220 8650 32100 10000 5000 33000 10000 15000 163500 54000 52500 16000 27800 21500 0 218000


































Page 22 of 55
FIGURE 3

Base Line Data Family name Chickens Goats Pigs Buffalo
Cattle F –
12m
Cattle M –
12m
Cattle F –
12m-2yrs
Cattle M –
12m – 2 yrs Cattle F +2yrs Total Cattle
Project 10/06 vn Ho va ten

1 Nghia Son NGUYEN VAN THO 3 3 6
2 Nghia Son NGUYEN THIEN TUNG 6 1 1 1 3
3 Nghia Son NGUYEN VAN CAP 3 1 1 2 3 7
4 Nghia Son LE VAN HANG 2 1 2 5
5 Nghia Son NGUYEN THI HUONG 2 1 2 5
6 Nghia Son DOAN THI HIEN 2 1 2 5
7 Nghia Son NGUYEN SINH TRUNG 5 2 4 6
Nghia Son Total 14 0 0 0 4 7 6 0 14 31
8 Nghia Lam NGUYEN HUY THE 10 2 1 1 2
9 Nghia Lam DINH BA KIP 10 1 1 2 4
10 Nghia Lam PHAN DINH KY 40 2 1 4 5
11 Nghia Lam PHAN DUC HAI 25 2 3 1 3 7
12 Nghia Lam PHAN VAN BAY 50 2 4 5 9
13 Nghia Lam DUONG VAN TINH 2 3 5 8
14 Nghia Lam PHAN DINH DUNG 3 1 2 3
15 Nghia Lam TRINH HAI LY 50 1 1 2
16 Nghia Lam NGUYEN VAN HIEN 50 6 1 1 1 1 3 6
Nghia Yen Total 235 0 6 14 15 1 4 0 26 46
17 Nghia Yen LE MINH LY 100 1 2 13 16
18 Nghia Yen LE VAN KIEM 15 28 2 1 15 16
19 Nghia Yen DINH PHUOC SON 1 7 8
20 Nghia Yen BUI HUU SON 50 3 9 10 22
21 Nghia Yen HOANG CHI 50 10 4 1 2 3
22 Nghia Yen NGUYEN VAN NHO 20 20 1 5 6 11
23 Nghia Yen NGUYEN DUC LUU 30 5 2 4 4
Nghia Yen Total 265 28 35 9 9 3 11 0 57 80
514 28 41 23 28 11 21 0 97 157
6.8





Page 23 of 55
Page 24 of 55



FIGURE 4

Base Line Data Family name
House
Type
No of
Rooms
Age of
House
Water
Supply
Pump Kitchen Cooking
Phone /
Cell
Fridge Freezer TV/V/C Cart
Tractor/
Truck
Motorbike Electricity
Toilet
Outside
Project 10/06 vn Ho va ten
1 Nghia Son NGUYEN VAN THO T1 5 25 W N O WG YP N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
2


Nghia Son
NGUYEN THIEN
TUNG
T1 3 25 W N O WE N N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
3 Nghia Son NGUYEN VAN CAP T1 1 25 W N O WG N N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
4 Nghia Son LE VAN HANG T1 1 20 W N O WG YC N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
5 Nghia Son
NGUYEN THI
HUONG
T1 1 20 W N O WG YC Y Y TV/V N N Y1 Y O
6 Nghia Son DOAN THI HIEN T1 3 20 W Y O W N N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
7

Nghia Son
NGUYEN SINH
TRUNG
T1 3 20 W Y O W N N N TV/V N N N Y O
Nghia Son 7 2.4 22.1 100% 29% 100% 70% 29% 14% 14% 100% 0% 0% 14% 100% 0%
8 Nghia Lam NGUYEN HUY THE T2 3 7 W N O W N N N TV/V Y N Y1 Y O
9 Nghia Lam DINH BA KIP T2 3 17 W Y B WGE YP N N TV/V Y N Y1 Y O
10 Nghia Lam PHAN DINH KY M4 3 4 W Y B WGE YP Y Y TV/V Y N Y1 Y O
11 Nghia Lam PHAN DUC HAI T2 3 16 W Y B WGE YPC Y Y TV/V Y N Y1 Y O
12 Nghia Lam PHAN VAN BAY M4 3 3 W Y B WGE YPC N N TV/V Y N Y1 Y O
13 Nghia Lam DUONG VAN TINH T1 2 30 W Y B WGE YP N N TV/V N YTK Y1 Y O
14 Nghia Lam PHAN DINH DUNG T2 3 20 W Y B W YP N N TV/V Y N Y1 Y O
15 Nghia Lam TRINH HAI LY T4 2 2 W Y I W YC N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
16 Nghia Lam NGUYEN VAN HIEN T3 2 10 W Y O W YPC Y Y TV/V Y N Y1 Y O
Nghia Yen Total 9 2.7 12.1 100% 89% 22% 55% 89% 33% 33% 100% 78% 11% 100% 100% 0%
17 Nghia Yen LE MINH LY SOLD N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N N/A N/A N/A N N Y1 Y O

18 Nghia Yen LE VAN KIEM T3 2 4 W N O W YPC N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
19 Nghia Yen DINH PHUOC SON T1 4 30 W Y O W N N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
20 Nghia Yen BUI HUU SON T1 2 20 W Y O WG YC N Y TV/V N N Y1 Y O
21 Nghia Yen HOANG CHI T1 2 22 W Y O W YC N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
22 Nghia Yen NGUYEN VAN NHO T1 2 20 W Y I W YC N N TV/V N N Y1 Y O
23 Nghia Yen NGUYEN DUC LUU T2 2 20 W Y I WG YPC Y N TV/V/C N N Y1 Y O
Nghia Yen Total 7.0 2.3 19.3 100% 100% 33% 33% 66% 16% 16% 100% 0% 0% 100% 100% 100%

17.26 100%
64% 41% 55% 70% 23% 23% 100% 30% 4% 100% 100% 0%





Report B

Situation Analysis

for Cattle in Nghia Dan District


Page 25 of 55