Late President Lee Teng-hui is known for his contribution to Taiwan’s road to democracy. But as an expert in agricultural economics, he also used his retirement years to help advance the local cattle industry.
Lee passed away last Thursday. This year, Taiwan may see the fruit of one of his projects - producing the most high quality beef the nation has ever seen.
Former President Lee Teng-hui is known for ushering in democracy but few know about what he’s done for Taiwan’s animal husbandry industry. This is Lee in June 2012 enjoying local beef and helping the cattle industry. He gifted the beef store with two words in calligraphy: honest and natural.
The beef store owner says the late president ordered beef from him several times but wouldn’t allow them to treat him.
Lee’s research team began raising calves in 2017, and named them Yuan Hsing, after his old residence in Sanchih in New Taipei City. Lee promised to offer Taiwanese beef that tastes even better than premium Japanese Wagyu beef.
The first generation of cattle raised by the team will be tested at the end of the year. If it meets Japanese Wagyu beef standards, Taiwan will be able to offer its own premium beef - thanks to late President Lee.