Chapter 7 of 10
Chapter 7
6 min read1,461 words
Wei Da is currently very busy. Hiring a private lawyer is too luxurious for him now, and it's not necessary, as he doesn't have many matters that require a lawyer's specialized handling. He is carefully searching for a more reliable law firm. During this period, Wei Da's reputation has gradually grown. To the ranchers in Abilene, Wei Da is definitely someone worth befriending, as they need the technology he provides.
Wei Da is also studying more of the miraculous techniques in the "Shennong Classic." Although he has gradually opened up some opportunities, Wei Da is not content with just being someone who has a slight involvement in feed. His vision is far-reaching, and now he needs to make himself stronger. He needs to master more techniques. Wei Da is quite happy now because he is constantly learning, and he has gained more knowledge and skills.
Driving to Abilene, this was a prearranged meeting with Old John. Although the nearly four-hour drive is long, Wei Da has no complaints, as he is busy with his 'business.' People who work are both suffering and happy, and Wei Da is now like that. Although he might be very tired and busy, only such efforts can bring more rewards. Wei Da is well aware of this.
"What a damn weather!" The car has no air conditioning, and it is like a large steamer. After a four-hour drive, Wei Da arrived at Josh's rural area. Wiping the sweat off his forehead, Wei Da muttered curses about the scorching weather. The summer in Texas is really unbearable, it's just too hot.
"Guy, welcome!" Josh smiled and gave Wei Da an American-style chest bump. He has been very happy lately, having met such a good 'nutritionist' like Wei Da. Seeing the cattle in the ranch growing strong, he has every reason to be happy. In recent years, many ranchers have had a tough time, especially small ranchers like him. Life has been hard, but now he is very confident because Wei Da can help him establish a better livestock nutrition system. "You're early, this is half an hour earlier than our agreed time."
"Alright, I came to have a cold beer and take a shower. This damn weather, and the road is also quite rough, I feel really uncomfortable." Wei Da didn't stand on ceremony with Josh. Americans are very punctual, but they can also be quite rigid. If a time is set, it's set, which can be frustrating. Although being late is not good, being a bit early is naturally better.
"Mary, you look very happy." Wei Da smiled and gave Josh's wife Mary a cheek kiss. He has become quite familiar with the Josh family over this period, having visited a few times. Overall, the Josh family is quite American, very outgoing, and sometimes very热情.
"Guy, go take a shower in the bathroom quickly. Maybe you should listen to my advice and change your car. I can give you a lot of advice." Mary teased Wei Da with a smile, knowing that his old car had no air conditioning. The windows were open all the way, and Wei Da naturally looked windblown and a bit disheveled.
"Sure, I'll change my car after this collaboration!" Wei Da didn't have much money, so he had no choice but to continue using this old car. Wei Da isn't a miser; if this collaboration succeeds, his pockets will be full, and he will definitely treat himself to a new car.
Although he knew some things over the phone, after taking a shower and drinking a cold beer, Wei Da and Josh chatted. The focus was naturally on the large rancher, Hanson. Wei Da takes this collaboration very seriously. If the agreement is reached, he will be well on his way to a comfortable life. It's not just about changing a car; Wei Da can also consider moving to a better house, as his current rented place is quite shabby.
Hanson's ranch, like many large ranches in Texas, is mainly focused on beef cattle and sheep. Considering the dry and hot climate in central Texas, it is generally Brahman cattle and Boer goats that are more heat-resistant and have a varied diet, making them easier to raise.
Although Hanson did not specifically mention his troubles to Josh, the situation in Abilene is generally the same. The weather is too hot, and the cattle and sheep are not eating, which is a major concern for ranchers whose main income comes from livestock. If the cattle and sheep do not gain weight, the losses will be significant.
Wei Da has a good understanding of the situation. Making slight improvements to the livestock feed structure is not a big pressure for him. Wei Da is quite confident; as long as he has the opportunity to act, he can seize it.
"Hanson is here, guys." Wei Da and Josh had shifted the topic to cowboys and riding, with Wei Da playing the role of an attentive student. At this moment, Mary came in and told them that the main person had arrived.
"Wei, it's great to meet you. I've heard a lot about you recently. I'm Hanson, Hanson Roberts." Hanson is a burly middle-aged black man, who opened his arms like a giant black bear. Wei Da also warmly chest-bumped Hanson. First impressions are one thing, but proper etiquette is essential. Wei Da has a good feeling about Hanson, as he is a potential client, and of course, Wei Da feels good about it.
"Guy, it's great to meet you. I'm Wei Da. I know 'Wei' might be more familiar to you." Wei Da joked with a smile. At Josh's invitation, the three of them went inside, as the weather outside was too hot.
Without much formalities, Hanson came seeking help. After a brief chat, Wei Da understood the troubles Hanson was facing. Hanson's ranch not only has cattle and sheep with poor appetites but also faces the issue of poor grass growth due to the weather.
Wei Da nodded. Although he has been more widely known for improving feed, he has also actively promoted himself. He does have some capabilities in improving grass, but the ranchers are not giving him many opportunities. This is understandable, as grass is a crucial resource for a ranch. Without grass, the ranch loses its value.
Wei Da has a good understanding of the situation. Hanson is truly in a desperate situation. Although he has some irrigation systems, the grass is hard to grow in such hot weather. Buying grass is too expensive, and with tens of thousands of cattle and sheep, relying entirely on purchased grass would quickly lead to bankruptcy.
"Hanson, improving the grass will take some time. I don't think it will have an immediate effect." Wei Da's words extinguished Hanson's last hope. Although Hanson knew his previous hopes were unrealistic, hearing Wei Da's answer, which he least wanted to hear, really made him feel devastated.
"Alright, Wei, I admit I was too naive. I know improving the grass takes time, but unfortunately, I don't have enough time now. I think I need to sell the ranch, so I might not go bankrupt." Hanson's eyes revealed despair as he smiled bitterly. The price of grass is rising, and he really can't continue to support it.
"Maybe I can give you some help. You know, I'm an excellent nutritionist, and I know the most reasonable diet for cattle and sheep. Guy, trust me, I can do something for you, like reducing the expensive grass but ensuring the growth of the cattle and sheep. This will save you some money and help you through the tough times." Improving the grass is something Hanson can't wait for, so improving the feed is a better option.
Hanson was silent for a long time. He really doesn't want to sell the ranch, but he has little confidence in the current situation. He doesn't know how long the drought will last, and if he can't save on feed, he will soon be in a dire situation.
"Wei, I am willing to trust your ability, but I really can't provide much grass. The price of grass is constantly rising..." Hanson said with some pain.
"Hanson, if you are willing to trust me, I can give you a guarantee. Low-quality grass is fine; Boer goats and Brahman cattle can be raised extensively. We can adjust the feed structure, reduce the cost of grass, and choose alternatives like straw and corn. I think this can reduce your pressure." The price of corn and other products in the U.S. is not high, and Wei Da's words gave Hanson some hope. If Wei Da's words are true, he believes he can definitely get through the current difficulties.