A Chicken Lover's Story: Successful SMFI poultry breeder shares tips on how to survive financially-challenging times

MANILA, Philippines - Times are tough. And for most people, now is the time to set up their own business. If you’re in the market for a sound investment, then consider joining San Miguel Foods Inc.’s (SMFI) roster of Poultry Contract Breeders and Growers. You’d definitely be in good company since you’re joining the elite team involved in delivering Filipinos their beloved Magnolia Fresh Chicken.

“I’d definitely encourage any would-be investor to strongly consider becoming an SMFI Poultry breeder. It has turned out to be a very good business venture for us,” beams Ofel Dator, owner of Ofel’s Poultry Farm, who, recently, was adjudged Luzon’s Top Contract Breeder for SMFI.

Together with Serafin Dator, her husband, Ofel began breeding chicken in 2005 with minimal capital outlay. Today, in just a span of four years, Ofel’s Poultry Farm is doing great business, earning well over P2.5 million a year.

Truth be told, the Dator couple chose this kind of investment for a number of reasons, foremost of which is the fact that Magnolia Fresh Chicken is one of San Miguel Food Inc.’s power brands, and therefore, it is a sure-fire investment. “San Miguel ‘yan, ‘di ba? Of course, matatag,” Ofel insists.

The husband and wife team also felt that no matter what happens to the country’s economy, food companies will continue to stand firm. In fact, even in the face of the current economic crisis, the couple is convinced that there would be no end to the need for chicken meat products — and therefore, no end to the need for their products.

Serafin and Ofel Dator also chose to become entrepreneurs since it is only through this way that they can help provide jobs for other people in their community. “We could have gone into other kinds of business, but we wanted to contribute to the economic growth of our hometown,” explained Atty. Dator.  

In fact, their workers are their neighbors and friends. “These are the people who care for the farm. May malasakit because they are our friends, and because they see how much we care for them as well since we treat them as family members already,” adds Ofel.

“Furthermore,” Ofel assures, “contract breeding for SMFI is a sound investment since the company takes good care of you. From the layers to the feeds, to the purchasing of your products, and the ready assistance given by their Broiler Production Representatives and their Breeder Technicians, SMFI really takes care of their breeders and growers.”

The key to the success of their operations lies in the work they invest in the farm. 

“Dedication, hard work, a family atmosphere, and going back to the basics — these are our bywords at Ofel’s Poultry Farm,” Ofel relates. “We take no shortcuts. We get up early, rain or shine. We sleep late, rain or shine. We follow the procedures set by SMFI through their equally hardworking Breeder Technicians.”

Ofel adds that one time, during a fierce storm, their farm manager even fell through the floor of one of their poultry houses and suffered injuries. But through it all, he continued working because he didn’t want the poultry to suffer unduly, since the storm had already caused much damage to the hen houses’ roofs.

“Of course, we owe it all to San Miguel Foods, Inc. Without them, we would not have been able to enjoy this kind of success!” Ofel concludes happily.

Truly, Ofel’s Poultry Farm has very good reasons to celebrate since they bagged the top spot in San Miguel Food Inc.’s Outstanding Luzon Contract Breeders Awards. The other top breeders were (2nd to 5th): Cultiva Agricultural, Inc., 7C Poultry Farm, FVFC Breeder Poultry Farm, and San Isidro Breeder Farm.

So, still looking for a sound business where you might invest your hard-earned money? Look no further. For investment opportunities and further information on SMFI’s Contract Breeding and Contract Growing, simply log on to www.magnoliachicken.com. Get ready to reap the bountiful returns on your investment.