Jeju Ranch Builds Its Dairy Business Around Free-Range Cows

Achim Miso Ranch raises about 80 cows outdoors near Hallasan on Jeju Island, South Korea.

It is the country’s only ranch with government certification for free-range animal welfare.

The family business began in 1975 with three dairy cows and later returned to outdoor raising after disease problems in its larger indoor herd.

The ranch says outdoor-raised cows produce richer-tasting milk, although this approach is less productive.

About 350,000 visitors come each year, and the ranch sells dairy products on site as well as through domestic retailers and exports to 11 countries.

Its owner says lower milk prices are adding pressure as the dairy market opens to imports; he says three Jeju ranches have already closed.

His son is learning the business, and the owner hopes to grow the ranch into a 100-year enterprise.