MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon – In the quiet farming community of Lingion, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, a young woman is rewriting her story — one goat at a time

At 23 years old, Jieselle Bheb Vicariato is proving that resilience can transform setbacks into new beginnings. A proud member of the Higaonon tribe and daughter of a farmer, she is among the provincial and regional start-up awardees of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2025, carrying a vision not only to grow an agribusiness but also to uplift her community.

Her enterprise, Golden Goat Ranch, represents more than livestock production — it is a comeback story rooted in faith, culture, and determination.

Jieselle’s journey with goat raising began long before recognition came her way. In 2016, their family raised goats as an additional livelihood until an unfortunate incident changed everything.

“Three of our goats were poisoned,” she recalls. “Because of that experience, we were discouraged and decided to stop.”

For years, the dream remained paused. She pursued a Bachelor of Elementary Education degree and was even prepared to work abroad. When those plans unexpectedly fell through, she found herself returning to agriculture — the life she once stepped away from. Learning about YFC became her turning point.

“I saw YFC as my comeback — a new beginning,” she says. “This time, I want to raise goats with proper care so we can avoid what happened before.”

The name Golden Goat Ranch carries personal meaning. As a member of the Seventh-day Adventist community, Jieselle does not consume pork, making goat meat a meaningful alternative during celebrations.

“To me, goats are golden because they provide nutritious food for people like us who don’t eat pork,” she explains, noting that goat meat is rich in protein and essential nutrients.

Despite her passion, entering agriculture was not without challenges. Jieselle faced skepticism from those who doubted her capability as a young woman managing a farm.

“Some people would say farming is too hard for a woman,” she says. “But I want to prove that women are capable. I have never doubted myself because I know I am strong.”

For Jieselle, resilience defines both womanhood and entrepreneurship. Optimism, she believes, allows challenges to become motivation rather than barriers.

Golden Goat Ranch focuses on crossbreeding Anglo-Nubian and Boer goats, combining strong milk production and good carcass recovery suited for meat production — currently the ranch’s primary product.

Still in its early stage, the enterprise began with only three goats due to limited capital. Daily operations require discipline, from morning tethering and grazing to afternoon feeding, watering, and shelter management.

Among her biggest challenges are capital investment and unpredictable weather conditions.

“Goats need proper housing, and feeding becomes difficult during rainy days,” she explains. “Sometimes, we travel far just to cut grass for them.”

Her path to YFC came unexpectedly while working as a freelance choreographer. Curious about a dancer frequently mentioning YFC activities, she asked about the program and was later connected to the Municipal Agriculture Office through the 4-H Club coordinator.

“I shared my plans, and they supported me right away,” she says.

For Jieselle, YFC became more than financial assistance — it became validation.

“Without YFC, I wouldn’t be able to start this business because I didn’t have enough capital,” she admits. “The grant helps me build housing, establish forage, and purchase breeding stocks.”

Through mentorship sessions and youth summits, she gained confidence by learning from fellow agripreneurs and former awardees.

“When I heard their stories, I realized that if they could do it, I could too.”

With YFC support, Golden Goat Ranch is gradually expanding. From three starter goats, she plans to grow to 15 breeding females capable of producing around 30 offspring per cycle. With each goat projected to reach about 20 kilograms (kg) and valued at PhP 230 per kg, the enterprise could generate more or less PhP 100k per production cycle — an opportunity made possible through the program’s support.

She also maximizes resources by selling goat manure as organic fertilizer, creating additional income while promoting sustainable farming practices.

Yet her vision extends beyond personal success.

As a member of the Higaonon community, Jieselle hopes to launch a goat dispersal program to help fellow indigenous families overcome capitalization barriers. Beneficiaries will raise goats and repay through offspring, allowing more households to establish livelihoods.

“I want to raise not only my income but also the income of my community,” she explains.

She also plans to employ indigenous youth as the enterprise grows and develop Golden Goat Lechon, a value-added product she hopes will become known across Manolo Fortich and nearby markets, including Adventist and Halal communities.

Looking five years ahead, Jieselle envisions a fully developed enterprise producing quality breeding stocks, offering breeding services, and supplying specialty goat products across the region.

“Someday, I want Golden Goat to become a specialty of Manolo Fortich,” she says with confidence.

Winning the YFC has given her more than recognition — it has provided her with a platform to inspire others, especially indigenous youth, to take pride in agriculture and their identity.

“Our story doesn’t end with limitations,” she shares. “We can also reach success.”

When asked to describe her YFC journey in one word, she smiles and answers: “Staircase.”

“I am still taking small steps, but my vision is wide, and I know I am slowly climbing upward.”

She expresses deep gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for continuing programs that empower young agripreneurs and hopes more youth will be reached and supported in the future.

From investing her earnings as a choreographer into building goat housing to nurturing a dream shaped by perseverance and purpose, Jieselle Vicariato’s journey reflects the spirit of a new generation of farmers — bold, hopeful, and determined.

What once ended in loss has now begun again with promise. Through Golden Goat Ranch, this young Higaonon woman is turning small steps into golden opportunities — for herself, her community, and the future of agriculture. (EJLG)