March 5, 2002
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China
Countryside
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Pinggu
County, China
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The rooster
crowed early for Illinois’ ag leaders as we ventured beyond
Beijing to Pinggu County, an area known for growing peaches,
strawberries and apricots. A generous welcome was organized by
Pinggu County Party Secretary Kezhong “Sam” Zhao. The day was
a reunion too as Sam has visited Tim Seifert’s farm at Auburn,
Ill. |
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Our first stop
introduced us to Cloisonne’ artists and resulted in a vigorous
round of buying. The 20-year old factory will have to go into
overtime just to restock after our visit. |
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A Cashmere
factory tour also resulted in a lot of sizing up for sweaters
and scarves. After filling our buses with such local, handmade
goods, it was time for our own fill up. Welcome banners were
flying and the banquet board groaned with Chinese and American
foods and drinks. We were fortunate to have many of the Pinggu
government officials available to us, including the new mayor,
Shi Guisheng. |
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A down coat
factory was our next stop. A good worker gets paid 500 to 1000
RMB per month ($60 to $110). |
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Tables laden
with crackers and drinks met us at the Want-want Group. We
were allowed to tour the factory after much munching on these
tasty treats. |
IALP
class with “Sam” Zhao at cracker factory
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| The Ludu Sheep Industry Company was our final
stop of the day. The state owned cooperative venture is
research facility to help develop the sheep industry in China.
We were surprised to find some of our own breeds being used to
increase the meat content of native stock. |
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Local man dressed in Mao apparel |
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Travel in
China is a hair-raising experience. Rules of the road seem
nonexistent. But we returned safely for our last night in
Beijing and a dinner of Peking duck. |
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Chairpersons: Chuck Weber,
Tim Seifert, Pam Henderson |
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