In Zhanglang County, Pingliang City, the arrival of the corn harvest signifies a critical period for local beef producers. This year, farmers are strategically harnessing the prime window for corn silage production, ensuring that feed supplies meet the needs of their livestock throughout the winter months.
The lush cornfields in the northern mountainous region of Nanhutown are a sight to behold, resembling a vast green ocean. Local farmers are in high gear, employing advanced machinery to efficiently harvest the corn silage. Gao Junzhu, a prominent cattle farmer, highlights the benefits of this approach: “Our cooperative manages over 200 cattle, and we’ve cultivated more than 400 acres of silage corn. We’ve already harvested over 300 acres, expecting to produce about 1,200 tons of silage, which will be sufficient to sustain our herd through the winter,” he explained.
The local government has adopted a progressive approach to resource management, emphasizing the principle of “demand-driven storage and integrated planting and breeding.” This strategy has facilitated collaboration among farms, professional cooperatives, and individual cattle raisers to optimize silage corn production and expand income opportunities for farmers. So far, more than 5,000 acres of corn silage have been successfully harvested in the area.
According to Luo Xuhui, Deputy Secretary of the Nanhutown Party Committee, “This year, nearly 10,000 acres of silage corn have been planted, and we anticipate completing the harvesting by mid-October.” The focus on silage corn not only supports local beef production but also enhances the overall agricultural economy of Zhanglang County.
In recent years, Zhanglang County has positioned beef cattle farming as a key driver of rural revitalization. The establishment of scale-oriented livestock farms and dedicated feed crop bases spans across all 18 townships in the county. By implementing a dual model of “silage production plus breeding base,” local cattle operations have improved efficiency and sustainability. This system fosters a cooperative model that includes cooperatives, large cattle farmers, and individual farmers, effectively addressing the feed needs of beef cattle and significantly reducing breeding costs.
The strategic focus on corn silage harvesting in Zhanglang County is a pivotal development for local beef production. By optimizing feed resources and fostering collaboration among farmers, the region is poised to enhance livestock profitability and contribute to rural revitalization. This proactive approach not only secures a stable food supply for cattle but also strengthens the local agricultural economy, paving the way for sustainable growth in the beef industry.
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