Recent clear skies have provided a much-needed boost to Shandong province’s autumn harvest, allowing farmers and local authorities to accelerate crop collection after unprecedented October rainfall disrupted agricultural activities. According to the Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of Wednesday, approximately 82.8% of the province’s autumn grain, covering around 3.63 million hectares, had been harvested. This includes 3.34 million hectares of corn, representing 85.8% of the total planting area for this key crop. The harvest was initially delayed due to rare continuous rainfall in early October, with precipitation levels soaring to 141.3 millimeters—751.2% higher than the historical average for the same period. To address the challenges posed by the prolonged wet weather, the central government allocated 484 million yuan ($68 million) for agricultural disaster relief in seven provinces, including Shandong. These funds are being used to expedite harvesting, dry damp grain, and drain waterlogged fields. Shandong’s agricultural authorities have also mobilized resources, deploying 426 mobile drying units to major grain-producing areas and providing detailed information on accessible grain drying service centers. Farmers like An Senping, who owns a crawler harvester capable of operating in wet conditions, have been instrumental in gathering crops, even assisting neighboring smallholders. However, drying the harvested corn remains a significant challenge, as improper drying can lead to mold and substantial losses. To address this, local authorities have partnered with grain enterprises to offer purchasing and drying services, with designated drying locations available to farmers. Despite the hurdles, farmers are making the most of the improved weather, coordinating efforts across harvesting, drying, storage, and planting to ensure a successful harvest. Nationwide, the autumn grain harvest has reached nearly 80%, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of China’s agricultural sector.