Shandong village harnesses new model for efficient corn harvest

[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In a village in Chengwu county, Heze, Shandong, over 1,000 mu (66.67 hectares) of corn have reached maturity. Large combine harvesters, grain transport vehicles, and straw trucks are working in sync to harvest the crops, creating a scene of bustling efficiency.

This year, Chengwu county is promoting the "grain and forage dual harvest" model — a high-efficiency approach that integrates crop collection, storage, transportation, and utilization through government-led cooperation among storage enterprises, farmers, and cooperatives. The model not only ensures full recovery of corn grains but also processes straw directly into feed onsite. This reduces costs associated with straw removal and field-return practices while generating additional income from straw sales, achieving a "two-in-one" benefit of harvesting both grain and fodder.

Approximately 100,000 mu of corn were planted in Chengwu this year, with the dual harvest system used on 40,000 mu. To support timely harvesting and sowing, the local agricultural machinery department has arranged for over 10,000 sets of machinery, including 2,000 combine harvesters and 1,500 rotary tillers, fully meeting the demands of the autumn farming season. (Edited by Xie Zhenzhen)