John,

Have you heard of seagoing cowboys? Yep! They were a group of cowboys and cowgirls at sea who were instrumental in post-WWII livestock aid efforts from 1945 to 1947.

After World War II, countless families lost crucial livestock for their livelihood — and so, a call for help was sent requesting transport for livestock to families in need across the world.

One of the people who stepped up was a young girl named Kathy Moore. And, as one of the only women, she earned her place on Heifer International’s roster of floating cattle wranglers.

At age 16, Kathy spent her summer vacation helping her father deliver 19 Holstein and Guernsey cows to postwar Japan.

Seeing the war-scarred country impacted Kathy significantly. She recalls, "My mindset was that I wanted to help people get out of those desperate situations. The same thing that helped then helps now: farming, a sustainable life."

Kathy planted the seeds for the innovative work Heifer International does now. Because of your generous support, families still receive much-needed livestock, training and resources to this day. Farmers are equipped with the tools needed to thrive in their communities — and you make it possible.

Thank you for carrying on the legacy of a seagoing cowgirl,

Aaron Hargis
Heifer International