A new breed of hope

Benefiting locals

According to Lu, the goal of the breeding center is to help over 2,000 households in Jishishan increase their income and achieve prosperity. Most of these households are from Chenjia village and Sibaozi village, both of which were significantly affected by the earthquake.

Farmers can purchase high-quality cattle and sheep from the center at prices lower than the market rate. The center then buys back the calves and lambs at prices higher than the market rate.

Throughout the breeding process, the center provides technical support, including nutritional formulas, artificial insemination for cattle and sheep, as well as disease prevention and health care.

"In simple terms, it's about enabling farmers to raise livestock without worries and sell with confidence," Lu said.

The center also benefits local households by purchasing their forage, subsidizing land transfer fees, and offering them shares with dividends.

"Every inch of the breeding center belongs to the nearby villages. The 196 mu of land was entirely transferred from these villages, and we pay 800 yuan per mu each year," he elaborated. "The local government has allocated shares to 732 households affected by the disaster, giving each household 50,000 yuan in shares. With a 2 percent dividend, the center provides an annual payout of 1,000 yuan to each household."

The center also creates job opportunities, especially for local young people. All of the center's employees are residents affected by the disaster. By working here, they gain both technical skills and higher incomes.