"The quality of a glass of milk begins not in the processing plant, but in the well-being of the cows grazing peacefully in the pasture."
As part of a study visit to the Republic of Korea supported by the Project of “The higher education program for Viet Nam National University of Agriculture to enhance human resources specialized in Animal Husbandry of Viet Nam” (hereinafter referred to as KOICA_VNUA), a delegation of faculty members from the Faculty of Animal Science, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, had the valuable opportunity to visit and learn from Isidore Farm, one of the leading organic dairy farms on Jeju Island.
What impressed the delegation most was not simply the farm's scale or advanced technologies, but rather its people-centered philosophy of livestock production. Across the lush green pastures of Jeju, dairy cows grazed peacefully, moved freely, and were raised in an environment that respected their natural behaviors. They were fed with organically produced forage grown on the farm, while the use of antibiotics was kept to a minimum and genetically modified (GMO) feed was completely excluded.
Watching these healthy and contented cows grazing calmly in the open fields reminded us that the quality of a glass of milk begins long before processing—it begins with the quality of life of the animals themselves. Isidore Farm provides compelling evidence that animal welfare is not merely an ethical concept or a theoretical ideal, nor does it compromise productivity. Instead, it serves as the foundation for creating sustainable economic value. Healthy animals produce higher-quality milk, strengthening consumer confidence and encouraging demand for safe, transparent, and traceable food products. This trust ultimately enhances brand reputation, increases product value, and improves market competitiveness.
Another remarkable feature of Isidore Farm is its integrated "Farm-to-Table" production model. Fresh milk is collected and processed directly on the farm into a wide range of dairy products, including pasteurized milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream, before reaching consumers. By managing every stage of the production chain, the farm ensures consistent product quality, full traceability, and maximum value retention from pasture to table. This integrated approach not only guarantees food safety but also creates greater economic value through value-added processing and consumer trust.
Equally inspiring is Isidore Farm's decision to welcome visitors free of charge. Rather than serving merely as a tourist destination, the farm views public access as an opportunity to promote organic agriculture and sustainable livestock production. Visitors can observe the grazing cows, learn about the production process, and enjoy dairy products made directly on the farm. This openness and transparency help consumers better understand where their food comes from while fostering greater awareness of responsible and sustainable food consumption.
For our delegation, the visit to Isidore Farm offered far more than technical knowledge of farm management, organic dairy production, and value chain development. It also provided meaningful insights into the future direction of Vietnam's livestock sector. As the industry moves toward greener and more sustainable development, building ecological livestock production systems, reducing antibiotic use, improving animal welfare, and developing integrated Farm-to-Table value chains represent promising approaches worthy of further study and adaptation to Vietnam's local conditions. Such models not only improve product quality but also contribute to environmental protection, enhance economic value, and better meet the growing expectations of today's consumers.
The study visit to Isidore Farm stands as a meaningful example of the positive outcomes of cooperation between Vietnam National Univesity of Agriculture and the Republic of Korea under the KOICA_VNUA Project. The knowledge and practical experiences gained during this visit will inspire our faculty members to further enhance teaching, research, and academic collaboration, while contributing to the development of a greener, more sustainable, and internationally integrated livestock sector in Vietnam.
Cu Thi Thien Thu