Arnel Corpuz Champions Sustainable Cattle Farming in the Philippines

 

Arnel Corpuz, a long-time advocate of the Philippine cattle industry, has dedicated his life to sharing knowledge and practical solutions for cattle raising. Traveling across the country, he teaches farmers and enthusiasts how to improve production and unlock the industry’s potential.

As part of his sustainability efforts, Corpuz self-published the Philippine Cattle Feeding Handbook: Feeding Cattle the Philippine Way, Inspired by Global Best Practices. He said the book was born out of necessity.

“The handbook is for every cattle raiser in the Philippines. It is a comprehensive guide written for both backyard raisers and large-scale farms.”

Born in Kiamba, Sarangani Province, Corpuz grew up witnessing the struggles of farmers who lacked access to information and institutional support. His own journey began as a janitor in a cattle feedlot in South Cotabato. Years later, he rose to become manager of a 30,000-head Wagyu fattening facility in Australia.

Although he left college early, Corpuz gained mastery in cattle nutrition through 11 years of hands-on work in Northern Australia. He has since returned to the Philippines, determined to reinvigorate the local industry by sharing his expertise.

At the core of his advocacy is the principle of “Simplified Cattle Farming,” which promotes feeding protocols based on locally available materials. He also introduced Wagyu-Brahman cattle farming, a system that produces high-quality, marbled beef increasingly favored by consumers.

Since 2016, Corpuz has been conducting workshops nationwide, motivated by his Australian experience and a desire to uplift Filipino farmers. He noted that misconceptions persist in the Philippine cattle industry.

“Many Filipinos look down on the cattle industry, and farmers often fall short in breeding and slaughter practices. This handbook was created to guide them toward improvement.”

Corpuz spent three years compiling the handbook, integrating over three decades of experience in cattle management. The book blends scientific knowledge with practical applications, written in a way that ordinary farmers can easily understand.

“This book was written with one purpose: to guide farmers, students, and both future and returning Overseas Filipino Workers in learning and practicing cattle feeding in a way that is profitable, sustainable, and rooted in discipline,” he wrote in the preface.

He emphasized that the Philippines has long relied on imported beef despite having the land, manpower, and determination to build a strong domestic industry. For him, success rests on discipline and proper management.

“True success does not come from luck or shortcuts but from discipline.”

The handbook covers 20 chapters, ranging from an overview of the Philippine cattle industry to feed management, veterinary care, marketing, and selling beef.

Even before its publication, Corpuz had been sharing his knowledge through social media, running a Facebook page and YouTube channel called Great Arch Farm ni Kabakang Arnel.

“I’m not afraid to share what I know. I don’t focus on book sales; I care about how many people can learn and apply these lessons to their cattle,” he said.

Corpuz hopes the government will establish a proper grading system for cattle, noting the absence of classification standards in the industry. He also calls for stronger support from local government units to back grassroots initiatives.

“I just want to leave a legacy, especially for those who believe their cattle can reach full potential before slaughter,” he said.