Starting with only three goats, Muhammad Sallehuddin’s farm has grown in dairy production in two decades, with a customer base now expanded far beyond Johor. — Courtesy photo
Johor farmer’s sheer grit transforms three-goat farm into dairy powerhouse
SIXTEEN years ago, Muhammad Sallehuddin Mohd Rashid made the tough decision to forgo a university education and dedicate himself to farming.
His journey began at 17, immediately after completing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), when he started helping his father in rearing three goats behind their house in Benut, Pontian.
It marked their entry into dairy farming.
As the small venture grew, Muhammad Sallehuddin received an offer to further his studies at a public university away from home.
However, seeing the potential in their expanding goat herd, he decided to stay put.
“By the time I received an offer to continue my studies at a public university, the dairy farming venture had grown and we already had quite a number of goats.
“So I decided to turn down the offer and pursued Form Six at a secondary school near my hometown,” he said.
His ambition during his teenage years led him to construct a larger pen designed to house about 30 goats and sheep.
“Sadly, about 20 of the livestock died. I believed it was due to consuming contaminated Napier grass.
“I was devastated. I thought about quitting many times after facing countless challenges, but each time I found a way to soldier on and give my best,” he said, adding that the Covid-19 pandemic also contributed to the struggle.
Muhammad Sallehuddin’s persistence and hard work were finally rewarded in 2020 when he received crucial support – a Youth Agropreneur grant.
This recognition allowed him to purchase essential equipment, including a pasteuriser, thus significantly improving his production standards.
By 2022, his dairy farm earned official recognition as a Johor agrofood industry player.
Today, 33-year-old Muhammad Sallehuddin’s farm has successfully expanded its customer base far beyond Johor, now reaching buyers in Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
Beyond fresh milk, the farm in Benut also offers value-added products such as ice-cream and curry puffs.
Looking to the future, Muhammad Sallehuddin is focused on securing vital resources such as product certification, enhanced knowledge, and proper guidance.
He firmly believes that with the right support, the local dairy industry has the potential to expand further.
“This industry has the potential to expand and create more opportunities for the community,” he said.
He also hopes to inspire more young people to venture into the industry.
