Heifer

Gao Hongyu is an honest and shy young man living in Zhonghuanghao Village in Yixian, Hebei. He became very interested in raising sheep and pigs at a young age and was very enthusiastic in helping neighbors examine sick animals. Since Heifer started a project in his village in 2007, Gao has never missed a single technical training provided by Heifer. He practises what he has learnt and his sheep production is very effective. In June 2009, his sheep even won the first place in the Sheep Show.

Although sheep project was introduced to the village and the recipients were happy to receive the gift sheep, they soon encountered difficulties. Whenever the sheep fall sick, they could not find a vet nearby. They wanted to improve the productivity in sheep raising but they could not afford a fine-bred ram. Even though they knew that artificial insemination was an inexpensive and effective way to improve productivity, nobody in the village knew anything about the technique. Finally, Heifer provided help. In December 2007, a community artificial insemination station was set up in the village. All villagers came to visit the station. The 115Kg pure-breed ram is strong enough to carry an adult. Farmers said with excitement, "we have never seen such a big sheep. From now on, we will not need to take our sheep to other places for breeding. Thanks so much, Heifer!" Gao Hongyu was chosen to be trained up as a community animal health worker by all recipients. He was extremely happy about it.

Gao Hongyu attended two breeding technology workshops in Liansheng Animal Husbandry Station in October 2007 and March 2008. He keeps practising what he learnt and is not afraid of dirt and hardship. His breeding skill is greatly improved. Now, he provides villagers in the community with such services as artificial insemination, postnatal care and treatment for common diseases. Gan Hongyu lends his help whenever the villagers need it. This has greatly enhanced the animal management and productivity in the community. Compared with the year before, the number of sheep produced in the village is more than doubled and the income of the villagers has significantly increased.

Gan was very weak when he was a child but that didn't discourage him from developing interests in animal health care. With Heifer's training, he has enriched his knowledge in animal health care and can use his knowledge to contribute to his community. Gan now becomes a confident and professional animal health care worker and he will continue to help other villagers with his professional knowledge.