**Interviewer:** Can you tell me about the current situation in the Qilian Mountains, particularly regarding the traditional practices of animal husbandry?
**Interviewee:** Absolutely! The Qilian Mountains, which stretch for 800 kilometers along the border of Gansu and Qinghai provinces, are rich in natural alpine grasslands. Here, various ethnic groups, including the Yugur, Tibetan, and Mongolian peoples, have been herding livestock for generations.
**Interviewer:** I understand that the fall season brings a change for these herders. Could you elaborate on what happens during this time?
**Interviewee:** Yes, as October arrives, the grasslands transition from green to golden, signaling the time for herders to move their livestock. Traditionally, they relocated from summer and autumn pastures to winter and spring pastures. However, in recent years, the Qilian Mountain region has been actively exploring innovative methods for modernizing traditional pastoralism, leading to the rise of a new practice known as “borrowing grass.”
**Interviewer:** What does “borrowing grass” entail, and what are its benefits?
**Interviewee:** This practice involves herders bringing their livestock down from the mountains to temporarily use harvested cornfields in agricultural areas. This year, for instance, Zangye City anticipates around 200,000 sheep and cattle to participate in this initiative. The livestock graze on leftover corn stalks, which allows herders to settle near the fields for winter. This method effectively replaces the old routine of wintering in traditional pastures.
**Interviewer:** How does this new approach affect the animals and the herders’ livelihoods?
**Interviewee:** By allowing the grasslands a five-month hiatus from grazing, the livestock can gain weight more effectively due to the ample corn stalks, which ultimately increases their market value come spring. For example, Zhu Wenxin, head of the forage department at the Zangye City Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau, reported that each sheep can yield an additional income of 28 yuan after deducting borrowing costs.
**Interviewer:** What about the farmers who provide these cornfields? Are they benefiting as well?
**Interviewee:** Definitely. Farmers find they earn more from lending out their land than by simply selling the corn stalks. Additionally, the manure from the grazing livestock enriches the soil, benefiting next year’s crops. Local farmer Wang Jingnian shared that his family saves a significant amount on organic fertilizer, leading to an annual profit increase of about 40,000 to 50,000 yuan.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a mutually beneficial arrangement! Are herders from other regions also participating in this practice?
**Interviewee:** Yes, indeed! Aside from local herders, those from the other side of the Qilian Mountains in Qinghai province have started to join in. We’ve seen about 23,000 sheep and 12,000 cows coming down to borrow grass each year.
**Interviewer:** That’s impressive! What are the logistical considerations and necessary precautions when moving such a large number of animals?
**Interviewee:** Animal health is a priority when transferring livestock across regions. Preventative measures against diseases are crucial, as outbreaks can severely impact herders’ incomes. Before the move, herders typically vaccinate their animals, like the small ruminant vaccine for a highly fatal disease.
**Interviewer:** Aside from health precautions, what other support do herders receive for this transition?
**Interviewee:** In recent years, local governments have been providing “care packages” to herders before the borrowing period begins. This year, for example, Nima Caileng received essential supplies like gloves, washing powder, and disinfection materials for their sheep pens.
**Interviewer:** How do herders ensure clear agreements when borrowing land for grazing?
**Interviewee:** It’s essential! Herders like Nima sign standardized contracts with landowners which protect their rights and clarify the terms of use, avoiding disputes that could arise from misunderstandings.
**Interviewer:** This collaboration seems to foster a sense of community among herders and farmers. Do you see friendships forming through this practice?
**Interviewee:** Absolutely! As herders and farmers work together, they’ve built meaningful relationships, sharing responsibilities and forming bonds. For instance, one farmer, Ren Xinghe, and a Tibetan herder, Huang Junrong, have become good friends after working together for three consecutive years.
**Interviewer:** What do these friendships mean for the community?
**Interviewee:** They symbolize the unity and mutual support among different ethnic groups. After the grazing season ends, these friendships continue, with visits and gatherings becoming a tradition. Such experiences reflect a broader narrative of shared prosperity and interconnectedness occurring at the foot of the Qilian Mountains.
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