Huanjiang beef industry powers rural vitalization via holistic value chain

Huanjiang beef cattle graze on grass. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

Huanjiang Maonan autonomous county has turned its native beef cattle into a pillar of rural prosperity, linking karst mountain villages to urban markets and lifting dozens of local households out of poverty.

As early as 4 am, a beef farm in Xianan town buzzes with activity – slaughtering, cutting, and packing fresh beef. Cold chain trucks deliver the goods to Nanning, Guangxi's capital city, by 1 pm, putting Huanjiang's tender, flavorful cuts on urban dining tables the same day.

Tan Chengyu, a local veteran cattle breeder with 20 years of experience, operates a farm housing over 300 cattle. He has built a cooperative model that supports local farmers by providing technical guidance and purchasing cattle at prices above the market rate.

He offers technical support and purchases cattle at above-market prices, helping over 70 households earn a net profit of 2,000-3,000 yuan ($278-$417) per cow and creating stable local jobs.

Huanjiang beef has won wide acclaim in Nanning, with seven specialty stores and 100-plus themed restaurants selling over 1,000 kilograms daily. Young locals have returned to start businesses, expanding the beef market's reach.

The integrated industry chain generates over 10 million yuan in annual output value,  serving as a vivid example of rural vitalization in Guangxi.