A bird's-eye view of a tractor working on a field in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]

As of June 3, about 1,686.67 square kilometers of wheat had been harvested in Tai'an, Shandong province, accounting for 8.94 percent of the total harvest area.

Mi Qinghua, a 55-year-old farm machinery operator, said that if the land is flat, the harvester can reap over 0.67 hectares of wheat per hour.

Wang Yan, Mi's wife, said that their family began leasing land for modern farming in 2015, expanding their cultivated area to over 13.33 hectares. To improve farming efficiency, they purchased various tractors, providing professional services to nearby farmers. This not only increased their own income, but also supported the development of neighboring farms. Today, their cooperative continues to grow in size and scope.

On the vast fields of Tai'an, the wheat harvest will commence after Grain in Ear, the ninth solar term of the year, begins on June 5.

"We have repaired and maintained our agricultural equipment, purchased new machines, and enhanced the quality of the harvest to ensure maximum grain collection," said Xue Lina, director of the Yueyang crop specialized cooperative in Mazhuang town, Daiyue district, Tai'an.

Farmers dry the harvested grain in Tai'an, Shandong province. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]