The last time that the Department of Agriculture had a supply of pig feed was back in October.
Director of Agriculture Daniel Helsham said the first shipment of pig feed arrived last month, and the DOA began selling the supplies to local farmers one and a half weeks ago.
This is one of the subsidy programs that the department provides to help boost local livestock. The subsidy enables the department to sell the pig feed at a lower price than what’s available from local vendors. A 55 lb. bag cost $25 from DOA, while some vendors were selling for as high as $37 a bag.
During the distribution, the department is collecting data from farmers to update information on the number of pig farmers and sizes of pig farms in the territory.
Helsham said pig farmers are happy that the subsidized pig feed is available again, and the department plans to have a regular supply while funding is available.
In other news from DOA, the Fagatogo Market will remain opened overnight on Friday, May 9, until 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. Helsham said the extended opening hours is to enable families to buy produce, food, clothing and other items for Mothers Day.
