With an area of 240 hectares, Jinma'an, or Golden Saddle, ranch is a modern farm run by Erkhem and his family in Zhenglan Banner, Xiliin Gol League in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The only livestock the family breed are about 80 Simmental cattle, which are raised for their meat. In 2018, the ranch was listed by the local government as a demonstration cattle farm for the region.

Erkhem, who goes by one name, said that because of environmental improvements, the yield of forage grass has increased in recent years. This in turn has helped raise the output of beef. The family's income will reach 300,000 yuan (US$44,550) this year, he said, adding that some of the funds will go toward completing construction of facilities at the ranch. Erkhem is hopeful the ranch will eventually make 1 million yuan annual income in the near future.

Simmental cattle, raised for their meat, graze on the farm's improved grassland. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Erkhem cleans up cow dung at his Jinma'an ranch in Zhenglan Banner, Xiliin Gol League in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sept 18, 2020. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Erkhem with his cattle at the ranch on Sept 17, 2020. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Erkhem, his wife and daughter prepare to have breakfast on Sept 18, 2020. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Erkhem tidies up gear in his workshop. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Erkhem collects tomatoes in the family's garden on Sept 18, 2020. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Erkhem stores winter feed for his cattle. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)

Erkhem's wife and daughter wash themselves in the bathroom in the morning of Sept 18, 2020. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINADAILY.COM.CN)

Erkhem and his family have breakfast in the morning of Sept 18, 2020. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINADAILY.COM.CN)

Erkhem tidies up his garage on Sept 18, 2020. (WEI XIAOHAO / CHINA DAILY)