1968: Started from breeding

Chapter 348 With the power of life and death in hand, a heavy burden also rests on my shoulders!
Faced with Su Wenchen's confident words, the old man also felt that this chicken, which almost overturned his understanding of agriculture, might really have been successfully bred.

Thinking of this, a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

"Xiao Su, you've really surprised me this time. If what you say is true, this will not only solve the problem of exchanging meat and grain in your special zone."

"This would also solve the problem of meat shortage for people all over the country."

Soon, the two were talking.

The jeep struggled to make its way over the last stretch of bumpy dirt road, finally arriving at the core area of ​​Bluewater Farm's first branch—a place that could be tentatively called the "farm headquarters"—after the continuous drizzle ended.

However, the scene that comes into view at the farm headquarters is far from what one would imagine; instead, it looks more like a noisy and muddy construction site.

As far as the eye can see, there is a vast open space that is somewhat cluttered with various building materials and equipment.

Because it had just rained, the ground was soaked with water and became especially muddy and soft.

The worker, pushing a small cart full of sand, stumbled through the mud, the wheels often getting stuck. Then, a few urgent shouts rang out, signaling those nearby to lend a hand.

When Su Wenchen saw the old man's brows furrow slightly, he immediately explained after seeing the scene in the distance.

"Leader, we are not only shouldering the important task of developing the special economic zone, but also the subsequent foreign affairs reception work."

"So everyone will take the initiative to make time to catch up on the work."

Su Wenchen wasn't lying; the sense of ownership and cohesion at this time were indeed much stronger than later.

Many farm workers feel that such foreign affairs receptions are not only a matter of national and farm reputation, but also an honor for themselves.

Su Wenchen only needed to do a good job in logistical support, and even had to make the workers control their working hours to prevent heatstroke.

The old man looked at the precast concrete slabs being hoisted in the distance and the figures struggling through the mud. Although everything was in ruins and needed to be rebuilt, he could still see a vibrant energy.

"You have worked hard!"

These words seemed to be addressed to Su Wenchen, but also to the workers in the distance.

Then he went straight to the point.

"Let's go! Let's go straight to your farm and take a look!"

Here at the breeding farm.

It's much better than the construction site.

Since the beginning of the year, the engineering team from the ministry started by repairing the breeding farm.

Even though it rained, this area wasn't greatly affected.

Inside the chicken coop, Su Wenchen pointed to rows of chicks crowded in cages.

"Boss, this is the fast-growing Bluewater Chicken that we plan to promote on a large scale."

"If large-scale farming can be achieved, it will not only rapidly increase meat production in the special economic zone and fulfill the meat supply task, but also save the country a lot of feed grain."

"Compared to traditional broiler chickens, this type of chicken has a higher feed conversion rate and grows faster."

"Our special economic zone earnestly requests the higher-level planning commission to consider allocating a certain amount of special feed grain quotas to our fast-growing chicken breeding plan during the early stages of our special economic zone's development."

"We will strictly adhere to the plan, ensure that grain is used where it is most needed, and achieve self-sufficiency or even external supply of broiler feed as soon as possible."

The old man nodded, but still looked curiously at the chirping chicks in front of him.

"They don't look that different from normal chicks to me. Can they really grow to about three pounds in just over forty days?"

Su Wenchen nodded and pointed directly to the other side of the chicken coop.

"Boss, these have only been incubated for a short time, while these have been incubated for about thirty days. Don't you think they are much faster?"

"This kind of fast-growing chicken has many advantages, but its disadvantages are also obvious, namely that it doesn't taste as good."

The old man frowned.

"Not that tasty? Is it really that bad?"

Su Wenchen smiled and shook his head.

"It's definitely not that bad. As long as the chicken and pork are fresh, it's definitely not that bad."

"The texture of the meat is a bit coarse and not delicate enough."

"Especially when compared with the Bluewater Roosters that we have specially raised, the effect is particularly obvious."

"However, compared to a normal old hen, the difference is not that big."

After all, Su Wenchen knew that the old hens at this time were basically raised for several years until they stopped laying eggs before being sold.

The chickens have been raised for too long, especially the hens, so the meat quality is relatively poor; they're only good for making soup.

Hearing Su Wenchen's words, the old man was immediately relieved.

"It's already quite good if it can be compared to an old hen. In most people's homes, we would only kill an old hen if it was a happy occasion."

"As long as there's food to eat, who would complain about the quality of the meat?"

"I heard that your carefully raised blue swamp chickens are quite popular in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai."

"However, I think you should focus on fast-growing chickens in the future, and control the scale of carefully raised chickens."

"At this stage, your special zone should still focus on providing meat and food supplies to the local people."

"Instead of primarily providing higher-quality meat supplies to leading cadres."

Su Wenchen nodded immediately.

"Boss, we have always controlled the scale of this premium chicken. To be honest, we do intend to launch a new breed of Blue Water Chicken. Currently, our farm has been testing this new breed of chicken, which we have named Blue Water Golden Feather."

"The main idea is to take advantage of the upcoming foreign affairs reception to see if we can enter the US market."

"From what I understand, their country has a high demand for meat, and the demand for chicken is the second largest meat after beef."

"If we can take advantage of this opportunity to enter their market, it will bring more foreign exchange to our country in the future."

Upon hearing Su Wenchen's words, the old man immediately smiled.

"Oh! Another new variety, Blue Water Golden Feather? The name is nice, but judging from the sound of it, it's definitely going to be sold at a higher price!"

"It seems you guys prepared well in advance this time!"

Su Wenchen simply smiled and nodded.

"Only high-end meats can command high prices!"

"Moreover, this new breed of chicken, especially the rooster, has an exceptional appearance. As for the taste, even we can't accurately control it."

"So this time, whether in terms of appearance or taste, Blue Water Golden Feather will be an important high-end product for our export."

"As for the low-end Bluewater White Feather chickens, which are our fast-growing chickens, we will also consider gradually entering the US market after Golden Feather becomes well-known."

"This can also help our country earn more foreign exchange, right? Once industry develops, it will naturally continue to support agriculture."

"This kind of mutual support and development will allow us to develop at the fastest speed and stand tall among the nations of the world again."

The old man nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

"That's right, that's right, you're right. We have already begun seeking the restoration of our UN seat."

"We should know the outcome in the next few months."

"The day when we once again stand tall among the nations of the world is indeed not far off."

"Then I wish you success in selling it for a high price!"

"However, you can't be too optimistic. It's not easy to break into the US chicken market. As far as I know, the US accounts for 80 percent of the international supply of broiler breeders."

"They are far ahead in chicken farming."

Su Wenchen explained with a smile.

"Boss, we are very confident that we can compete with domestic companies in the field of chicken farming."

"I am fully confident on this point."

Looking at Su Wenchen's confident expression, the old man nodded emphatically.

"You have ambition, then I wish you success."

"However, one thing must be made clear in advance: you must not do anything that would damage your reputation during this reception. If they feel uncomfortable, you must not show any emotion."

"If this affects our reception work, that's absolutely unacceptable!"

Su Wenchen straightened his back immediately.

"We can definitely do that. If people don't like it, it means our training is not good enough, and we will only work harder in the future."

"Since we want to enter other people's markets, we can't act on emotions."

The old man nodded slightly.

“That’s right, let’s go! Let’s go to your auditorium to discuss the feed supply needed for your fast-growing chicken farm.”

"Once the management committee is established, you can have your special zone planning committee submit your plan."

"I'll arrange for them to approve it when the time comes, but you said it yourself, two pounds of grain for one pound of meat, I didn't force you."

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen smiled and said as he walked away.

“Leader, we are also serving the people. We are not losing out if we exchange two pounds of grain for one pound.”

"Moreover, the larger the scale of breeding of this fast-growing chicken, the lower the breeding cost will be."

"I think that even if this is promoted to other regions, it should be mainly based on state-owned farms."

"As for domestic breeding, I would recommend promoting the breeding model of premium chickens like Bluewater Golden Feather."

"In this way, state-owned farms can provide a sufficient supply of meat to our market, which is short of meat, as quickly as possible."

"On the other hand, there is still a great demand for premium chicken in our big cities."

"Let me use myself as an example, boss!" "My current monthly salary is 140 yuan, and with my wife, we each earn a little over 200 yuan a month."

"In addition, I usually eat in the cafeteria, and my workplace takes care of everything, including medical care."

"So if I really have friends coming over, I'm actually willing to spend ten or twenty yuan to buy a premium broiler chicken to entertain them."

"This is also why the black market price of our blue swamp chickens has skyrocketed in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai."

"One reason is low output, and the other is that there is indeed market demand."

Furthermore, Su Wenchen only realized this after visiting Beijing before the Lunar New Year: at that time, Shanghai was not as powerful as Beijing in terms of purchasing power.

After all, at that time, the main consumers were government officials.

During the Lunar New Year, he secretly took some time to visit the black market with Jiang Li.

However, it wasn't a real black market, but rather a folk market like the early morning pigeon market, which, while not legal, wasn't exactly illegal either.

He discovered that the people in the capital still had considerable spending power at that time.

Basically, most meat, as long as it's on display and the price isn't outrageous, will be sold immediately.

The old man seemed to be deep in thought when he heard Su Wenchen's words.

"Do you think state-owned farms should be primarily responsible for supplying basic meat, while the members of the production teams below should mainly focus on raising higher-quality meat varieties?"

"To be honest, before this, our livestock industry didn't really have such a clear dividing line between basic meat and high-end meat for the same species."

"It's just that beef and lamb are more expensive and harder to buy compared to pork and chicken."

Su Wenchen continued to explain.

"Leader, this is actually a way to help some of the production teams below increase their income. On the one hand, we are vigorously developing state-owned breeding to solve the problem of most people being able to eat meat."

"On the other hand, although this problem is gradually being solved, eating well has become a new problem."

"In the future, cities in various regions will definitely consider the issue of eating well, just like major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, once there is a sufficient supply of meat."

“In this situation, if we don’t solve it ourselves, outsiders will, and then the power to speak will naturally fall into the hands of others.”

Upon hearing this, the old man's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly.

"That's a rather unusual statement of yours. Do you think we'll open up the market in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen was momentarily speechless, realizing that he had spoken too much!

At that moment, he felt like slapping himself a couple of times.

It's no wonder that many people get carried away with a little success.

Su Wenchen himself didn't even realize it at first.

Since he learned that a special economic zone was to be established and that he was the main planner, he couldn't help but feel a little smug.

That kind of drifting can easily lead to trouble!
The old man saw Su Wenchen remain silent and simply shook his head with a smile.

"Alright, it seems you haven't gotten carried away. Although we do need to openly engage with the United States, there are still some issues that remain unresolved."

"The direction of future development is still under debate, so it's best for someone as small as you not to get involved."

"Focus on developing your special economic zone. Whether it's earning foreign exchange or pursuing development, as long as you don't keep jumping around making pronouncements, no one will bother you."

"When things become completely clear, that's when you can shine."

The old man felt that Su Wenchen was indeed a capable person who could get things done, which was why he thought of giving him a reminder.

After all, people who actually get things done will be given important positions regardless of how things turn out in the end.

This is also why he reminded Su Wenchen not to say anything more.

Su Wenchen naturally understood the old man's reminder and immediately nodded repeatedly.

"I understand, leader. I will definitely focus on developing the special economic zone and lead the people of the special economic zone to strive to complete the construction of the special economic zone as soon as possible and make this place the breeding center of the entire East China region and even the whole country."

The old man nodded in agreement.

"That's right, development is the only way forward."

"Of course, you still need to make proper arrangements for foreign affairs receptions. Everyone is in agreement on this matter."

"Therefore, this reception cannot be neglected, especially your stop, which represents the first time our agricultural development has made its debut on the international stage."

"On the other hand, the use of microorganisms for the treatment of saline-alkali land is also the first in the world to reach the level of practical application."

"You need to keep a close eye on these two aspects; there absolutely cannot be any problems later on."

Su Wenchen straightened his back and assured him.

"Rest assured, sir, I guarantee the mission will be accomplished!"

After the rain, the roads in the Blue Water No. 1 Farm area were a bit muddy, but the air was filled with the scent of wet mud, fresh wood, and the lively atmosphere of the crowd.

But the large auditorium located in the northern part of the farm was already packed with people.

A banner made yesterday using new red silk cloth hangs on the wall.

Warmly celebrate the establishment and unveiling ceremony of the Management Committee of the Special Zone for Saline-Alkali Land Management and Aquaculture Development in Northern Jiangsu and Anhui!
On the stage, leaders from the State Planning Commission and other ministries stood in the middle.

Su Wenchen, dressed in a blue Zhongshan suit, stood to the side of the two leaders.

Following them were representatives from the State Planning Commissions of Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, who came to participate in the ceremony.

The two men had slightly complicated expressions. Although these four counties did not usually have a high status in their area, their plans would no longer be under their jurisdiction.

They also felt a sense of loss, but they were still able to maintain their dignity.

Following them were regional leaders such as Liu Guangde and Liang Huashu, as well as the directors from Pei, Feng, Xiao, and Dang counties, who looked both nervous and expectant.

The audience was now packed with farm workers from the branch farm, grassroots cadres from the four counties who had come to inquire, and some production team members who wanted to join in the fun.

They didn't understand what it meant to establish a special economic zone.

However, all they hoped for was to eventually live a life like the farm workers, where they could eat their fill every day.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for that important moment.

Soon, a leader who had accompanied the old man read out the central government's official document in a thick Beijing accent, word by word.

After the documents were read aloud, the main event of the unveiling ceremony began.

Two strong farm workers carried a heavy plaque covered with a large red cloth onto the center of the stage.

However, the old man walked to the plaque but did not unveil it; instead, he spoke directly.

"I am here on behalf of the higher authorities to explain to the people of our special economic zone the significance of its establishment."

"The establishment of our special economic zone is not just about hanging up a sign or setting up an office! It's about freeing us from our constraints and helping our poor areas turn our lives around!"

"We must get meat and grain from this vast saline-alkali land, and live a better life! We must turn all the old saline-alkali land into our improved farmland!"

After saying this, the old man's aged but sharp eyes stared directly at Su Wenchen.

"Comrade Su Wenchen, handing this plaque over to the Special Economic Zone Management Committee is handing it over to you!"

"The eyes of nearly three million people in four counties will be on you from now on. Every penny the country invests and every grain of rice allocated will be counted on you to turn them into meat, eggs and other food supplies!"

"Saline-alkali land is a tough nut to crack. Do you have the confidence to overcome it and ensure that the people of the special economic zone can have a full meal on ordinary days and a bowl of meat during the Spring Festival?"

Clearly, the old man's actions were not only a public selection of generals, but also a profound question that directly addressed the fundamental mission of the special economic zone.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenchen looked at the expectant gazes below, his chest heaving slightly.

However, he then took a deep breath, met the old man's gaze, and responded in a clear and loud voice, enunciating each word distinctly.

“After I, Su Wenchen, put this sign up, I became connected with the more than 3,000 square kilometers of land in our four counties and with our millions of people.”

"Without addressing the salinity issue, without scaling up livestock farming, and without ensuring that people have access to meat and oil on their tables, I, Su Wenchen, will absolutely not back down from the front lines!"

The audience listened to Su Wenchen's words, which sounded like a stone falling to the ground, carrying the unique determination and unwavering spirit of a young person.

This instantly ignited the passion of the grassroots cadres and members in the audience, and applause surged like a tide.

Clearly, most people understand that this place has been impoverished for too long, and they hope that a strong leader will emerge to lead them out of poverty.

Upon hearing this, the old man revealed the most obvious smile of the day.

"it is good!"

"Then let everyone see the leader of our special economic zone!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he and Su Wenchen grabbed a corner of the red cloth.

"Hoohoo!"

The two of them ripped off the big red cloth at the same time!

The words "Management Committee of the Special Zone for the Governance of Saline-Alkali Land and Development of Aquaculture in Northern Jiangsu and Anhui" are prominently displayed in bold black characters!

Then, thunderous applause erupted from the audience once again.

For the first time, Su Wenchen tasted the meaning of power amidst the excited members below the stage and the complex yet awe-inspiring gazes of the four county directors.

A different flavor than before.

From now on, Su Wenchen will no longer be merely a farm director or some other technical title.

Rather, it is a political symbol closely related to the well-being of millions of people in this "special zone"!

Looking down at the commune members who had come from the four counties, Su Wenchen saw a glimmer of hope in their eager eyes.

He took a deep breath, and the feeling surging in his chest was no longer one of pride.

Rather, it is a sense of immense power that comes from being highly recognized, entrusted with important responsibilities, and holding great power over policies and directions, ready to unleash one's full potential!
It's that sense of mission—having the power of life and death in your hands, and a heavy burden on your shoulders!
It is also a unique romance belonging to this era, the ultimate romance of pioneers.

(End of this chapter)