The effectiveness of the model of raising cows for calves.

Launched in 2002, the cattle-raising and calf-returning program implemented by the Provincial Farmers' Association has become one of the effective livelihood support models, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction for thousands of rural households, especially in remote areas and ethnic minority regions.

Members of the Hong Thai Commune Farmers' Association rotate calves among other members in the commune according to a model of raising cattle and returning calves.

Unlike conventional forms of support, the cattle-for-calf model is revolving, creating a long-term resource cycle. Accordingly, households receive initial support in the form of breeding cattle; when the cattle reproduce, the households return the calves to the program, which then distributes them to other households. Thanks to this approach, an initial investment can multiply in value over many years, helping more and more households access means of production.

According to the Provincial Farmers' Association, the various levels of the association have effectively managed the cattle and buffalo loan programs in accordance with the decisions of the Vietnam Farmers' Association and the Provincial People's Committee. The selection of participating households was conducted openly and transparently, prioritizing poor and near-poor households with suitable conditions for livestock farming and a determination to develop their economy. In 2025 alone, the associations organized the rotation of 138 cows to 138 households. In the first quarter of 2026, the program will continue with 30 cows distributed to 30 households. To date, the total number of households benefiting from the program has reached 5,890. These figures not only reflect the scale but also demonstrate the sustainability and strong spread of the model.

The family of Mr. Ly Van Khin, from Hung Ba village, Hong Thai commune, is one of the households that received breeding cows in the first quarter of 2026. Sharing his joy at receiving the support, Mr. Khin said: “My family used to mainly work in agriculture, with unstable income. When the Farmers' Association supported us with breeding cows, I was very excited. This is an opportunity for my family to develop livestock farming and have an additional source of income. I will try my best to take good care of the cows so they can reproduce, both to improve our economy and to return the calves to the program soon to help other households.”

Besides bringing direct economic benefits, the model also contributes to changing the production mindset of the people. From small-scale livestock farming heavily dependent on nature, many households have proactively learned techniques, invested in barns, stockpiled feed, and prevented diseases for their livestock. As a result, the rate of good growth and reproduction of cattle has improved. Ms. Mua Thi May, Chairwoman of the Farmers' Association of Yen Minh commune, said: "The model of raising cattle for calves is very suitable for the conditions of the people in the highlands. Besides supporting the provision of breeding stock, the program also helps people change their way of thinking and doing things. People are more responsible in caring for their animals, because this is not only their own asset but also an opportunity for other households. After the merger, we will continue to expand the model to help more households rise out of poverty."

In reality, many households participating in the program have gradually stabilized their lives, accumulated capital, and expanded their livestock farming. A breeding cow not only provides income from calves but also helps utilize agricultural by-products as feed, creating a closed production cycle and saving costs. In addition, the Farmers' Association at all levels regularly organizes training courses, transfers scientific and technical knowledge on livestock farming, and provides guidance on disease prevention and control, ensuring the healthy development of the cattle herd. Inspection and monitoring of the use of breeding cattle are also emphasized to ensure that the support funds are used for the intended purpose and to maximize their effectiveness.

After more than two decades of implementation, the model of raising cattle for calves has proven its validity and practical effectiveness. From the initial breeding cattle, thousands of households have had the opportunity to improve their lives. And from this sharing and rotation, a sustainable livelihood cycle is increasingly spreading throughout the villages and hamlets in the province.

Text and photos: Trang Hoang

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202604/hieu-qua-tu-mo-hinh-nuoi-bo-tra-be-e402862/