Core Viewpoint - The heavy rainfall in Henan since September has significantly impacted the harvest of autumn crops, particularly corn and peanuts, raising concerns about the drying and storage of these crops [1] Group 1: Harvesting Challenges - Henan has experienced eight significant rainfall events since September, with an average precipitation of 332.4 mm, which is 2.7 times higher than the same period in previous years, adversely affecting crop harvesting [1] - To address the challenges posed by muddy fields, nearly 8,000 tracked corn harvesters have been deployed, and modifications to existing machinery have been made to enhance their effectiveness in wet conditions [3][4] - The use of tracked harvesters has proven beneficial due to their larger ground contact area and better traction, allowing for harvesting in difficult conditions [3] Group 2: Drying and Storage Solutions - The high moisture content in harvested corn, exceeding 35%, necessitates urgent drying efforts to prevent spoilage, with drying facilities operating 24/7 to handle the influx of wet corn [6][7] - The government has allocated 50 million yuan for subsidies related to harvesting and drying machinery, and various community spaces are being utilized for drying corn [7][8] - Innovative storage solutions, such as wire mesh containers, are being promoted to improve ventilation and reduce moisture retention in stored corn [7] Group 3: Impact on Crop Yield and Insurance - Despite the adverse weather conditions, the reduction in corn yield is considered manageable, with farmers employing various strategies to mitigate losses [8] - Insurance measures have been implemented, with 79,000 households covering 653,900 acres of corn under full cost insurance, and claims amounting to 64.45 million yuan have been processed [8][9] - The ongoing rainfall has also delayed the sowing of wheat, prompting the agricultural department to issue guidance on late sowing techniques [9][10] Group 4: Overall Progress and Future Outlook - As of October 14, 84.8% of autumn crops and 85.6% of grain crops have been harvested, although the overall progress is 5 to 7 days slower than usual [5][10] - The province has a total of 5,262 drying machines with a daily processing capacity of 375,000 tons, and efforts are being made to facilitate the transfer of wet grain for drying in other provinces [11]

Group 1 - The introduction of the "Agricultural Machinery Interest Subsidy Loan" by Qihe Rural Commercial Bank has facilitated the purchase of 52 tracked corn harvesters by local farmers, addressing funding shortages and enhancing harvest efficiency amid adverse weather conditions [1] - Continuous rainy weather in Shandong province poses significant challenges for autumn grain harvesting, drying, and storage, prompting various local initiatives to support farmers through financial services, power supply guarantees, and insurance [1][2] - The timely drying of corn post-harvest is crucial to prevent spoilage, with a drying center in Linyi City capable of processing 300 tons daily, supported by the local power company ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply [2] Group 2 - China Life Property Insurance Company in Shandong has insured 6.84 million acres of policy-based crops, including corn, soybeans, and peanuts, playing a key role in agricultural insurance in the province [3] - The insurance company utilizes its extensive network of service stations to monitor crop damage and expedite claims processing, providing financial support for farmers to purchase fertilizers and seeds for the next planting season [3]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing rainy weather in the Huanghuai region is impacting the autumn grain harvest, prompting local authorities to mobilize resources for rapid harvesting and drying of crops [1][12]. Group 1: Harvesting Efforts - In northern Jiangsu, the rain has paused, allowing large combine harvesters to increase the harvesting pace of soybeans and corn [3]. - A single combine harvester can harvest over 100 acres in a day, with low grain loss rates and high-quality corn [5]. - In Henan province, 8,000 local tracked corn harvesters are being utilized, along with over 3,000 additional machines from other provinces to expedite the harvest [9][11]. Group 2: Weather Impact - Continuous rainfall in Hebei since October 8 has created challenges for harvesting, with significant rainfall recorded at various weather stations [12][14]. - In areas like Handan, traditional harvesters are unable to operate in muddy fields, necessitating manual harvesting efforts [15]. Group 3: Support Measures - Local governments are organizing personnel to assist farmers in harvesting, ensuring that crops are collected despite adverse weather conditions [17][21]. - Various measures are being implemented to adapt harvesting equipment for wet conditions, including modifications to existing machinery [25][27]. Group 4: Drying and Storage - Five drying lines at a farm are operating continuously, increasing drying capacity from 1,500 tons to over 2,800 tons per day [7]. - Strategies are being developed to maximize drying and storage efficiency, including the use of temporary structures for drying corn and ensuring proper storage conditions [29].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing efforts in China, particularly in the Huanghuai region, to ensure the timely harvesting and drying of autumn grain amid continuous rainfall, with a national harvest progress exceeding 40% [1][9]. Group 1: Harvesting Efforts - The national autumn grain harvest has progressed over 40%, with local authorities mobilizing resources for emergency harvesting and drying operations due to persistent rain in the Huanghuai region [1][9]. - In Henan, multiple drying points have been opened to mitigate adverse weather impacts and ensure timely grain collection [1][3]. - In New County, Henan, 12 drying facilities have processed a total of 15,000 tons of autumn grain [4]. Group 2: Use of Technology - In Shandong, agricultural drones are being utilized to transport corn from waterlogged fields, showcasing innovative solutions to overcome traditional harvesting challenges [6][7]. - In Yuncheng County, over 40 drones are operational, each capable of transporting corn from approximately 20 acres daily, contributing to a total daily operational area of around 1,000 acres [7]. Group 3: Equipment Mobilization - Henan Province has mobilized 8,000 local tracked corn harvesters and imported over 3,000 from other provinces to enhance harvesting efficiency [11]. - The Ministry of Agriculture has coordinated the allocation of 24,550 tracked harvesters and 2,229 mobile drying machines to meet the demands of the Huanghuai region [14]. Group 4: Collaborative Efforts - Various departments in Shandong are collaborating to guide farmers on effective harvesting and drying techniques, with 18 drying units capable of processing 400 tons of corn daily [14]. - The Ministry of Agriculture has established a hotline with 3,223 numbers to facilitate immediate assistance for harvesting operations during adverse weather conditions [16].

Weather Impact on Agriculture - Continuous rainy weather is expected in Shandong from October 8 to 13, with accumulated rainfall of 40-55 mm across the province, and some areas experiencing up to 160 mm [2][3] - The excessive rainfall has led to overly wet soil conditions, significantly affecting autumn harvest and planting activities [2][4] Technological Advancements in Harvesting - Drones are being utilized for corn harvesting, increasing efficiency by nearly 10 times compared to manual labor, capable of transporting corn from 5 acres in one hour [3][4] - A professional drone team has been established to monitor weather and assist farmers in coordinating drone operations for effective harvesting [3] Agricultural Machinery Utilization - In response to the wet conditions, Shandong has deployed 84 tracked corn harvesters to address issues with traditional wheeled machinery being unable to operate in muddy fields [5][6] - The use of new intelligent harvesting machines has significantly improved efficiency, with daily corn harvesting exceeding 10,000 acres [5][6] Community Support and Volunteer Efforts - Volunteer teams are actively assisting vulnerable households, such as the elderly and disabled, in harvesting corn to prevent crop loss due to adverse weather [7][8] - Local governments are organizing service teams to ensure timely harvesting and provide support for drying and storage of corn [9]