A Conversation with Jaebok Lee, Heifer Recipient Turned Donor Through Historic Government Partnership

In the early 1950s, Heifer International gifted South Korean families with cows — alongside poultry, sheep, goats and pigs — to combat the severe hunger and poverty gripping the country amid the Korean War. In the years since the cows have helped South Korea transition into one of the top milk-producing nations worldwide.

Seven decades later, the South Korean government has Passed on the Gift, embracing Heifer’s core value and encouraging people to pass on assets and knowledge gained through Heifer programming, recently transferring to Nepal 100 Holstein heifers and eight high-quality “superbulls” for breeding donated by Korean dairy farmers.

The milking cows are foundational to the Milky Way Signature Program, under which Heifer International and Korean and local partners are supporting the government of Nepal’s objective to transform the country’s dairy sector.

Below, Mr. Jaebok Lee, a Korean dairy farmer, reflects on his experience as both a livestock recipient and, now, a livestock donor, through this significant collaboration years in the making.

What do you remember about the Korean War?

I was born on July 8, 1937, in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, in the Southern part of Korea.

I was the youngest child of five. I grew up in poverty under a single mother, with no land to farm.

When I was 13, on June 25, 1950, the Korean War began when North Korea invaded South Korea.

The war ended on July 27, 1953. Millions of people died because of the War. The whole country perished. We all starved, with nothing to eat.

Not only did people die, but all the livestock animals perished, too. A very small number of dairy cattle farmers, who existed before the war, disappeared after the war. Drinking milk was unimaginable to even think about it. The situation in rural areas of Korea was even more dreadful.

How did you become involved with Heifer International?

My life changed after meeting Heifer International’s agricultural volunteer, Paul Kingsberry. He went by his Korean name, Seung-bae Kim, after coming to Korea in 1952 with his wife, Barbara. They lived with Korean farmers for 30 years.  

Mr. Kim and Mr. In-Geun Seo, Dean Schowengerdt, another Heifer agricultural volunteer who came to Korea in 1952, trained farmers at the Union Christian Service Center (UCSC) in Taejon, Korea. Heifer’s livestock gifts were distributed by the UCSC throughout the country. The center also offered the Farmer Field School where young farmers were trained. After completing the Farmer Field School, the young farmers went back to their respective community and trained the community members and farmers on what they learned.

In 1957, Mr. Kim came to visit my church and he introduced me to the Farmer Field School. I completed the agriculture and livestock management training and went back to my hometown to train other farmers in the community. I visited farming households to give livestock management consultation and passed on the knowledge and techniques that I learned.

In 1969 and 1972, I received two Holstein heifers and sheep from Heifer through Mr. Kim. Heifer distributed livestock animals to the best animal-husbandry practicing farms. The farm had to show its commitment and willingness, and that they will practice what they learned. I proved to be such and received the Holstein heifers.

Back then, in my community, I was the only one who had Holstein milking cows. All other farmers reared Korean local cows, called Hanwoo, which are beef cattle. Everybody in my community came to my farm to look at my Holstein cows. I was very proud. 

Because Heifer, through volunteers Kim and Seo, passed on knowledge and techniques, I was able to multiply two heifers into 100 milking cows. I keep the men’s portraits in my room, hanging on the wall, so that I won’t forget my gratitude. Every day I remind myself and my family of Heifer and practice Heifer’s Passing on the Gift in all aspects of my life.

What does it mean to you personally to Pass on the Gift to Nepal?

When Heifer Korea launched the effort to send 100 Heifers from Korea to Nepal in 2022 I was overjoyed. For so many years, no one remembered what Heifer has done for Korea.

I have three sons and two daughters. My 3rd son has taken over the dairy farm and will continue the legacy. Heifer’s livestock gifts in the 50s allowed my family to live a good life. With the income I raised from the cattle farm, I was able to send my sons and daughters to school. I was once Heifer’s beneficiary, and now I passed on the gift to Nepal. I am truly thankful for this opportunity.

What are your thoughts about the Korea-Nepal partnership and the gift of 100 Holstein heifers?

Just as Heifer gifted Korea when we were in need, Korea is Passing on the Gift to our neighboring friend, Nepal. The campaign was so successful because it reminded all generations of Koreans, including the government, that we are where we are today because of the help we received from the faceless donors from the U.S. and overseas. It was such a kind gesture. We don’t forget that.

The gift of 100 heifers from Korea to Nepal is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and Passing on the Gift. There is a Korean proverb saying, ‘gratitude must be remembered and must be repaid.’ This is very similar to Heifer’s Passing on the Gift principle. We were happy to Pass on the Gift. 

What do you think the Milky Way program will mean for Nepal?

Nepal today is very similar to Korea in the 70s. Korean dairy farmers raised one or two milking cows, just like Nepali farmers today. Korea received assistance and help from overseas, and today Korea is a top producer in the dairy sector. I don’t see why Nepal can’t do what we did. I know Nepal will be successful and one day they will pass on to another country in need, as Korea did. 

*Interview has been edited for clarity and length.