Mechanized equipment boosts forage grass harvesting in Xinjiang

Mechanized equipment has been boosting forage grass harvesting for farmers in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Starting from late July every year, the height of the grass in the region usually exceeds 80 centimeters, with the dry matter accumulation reaching the peak of the year, making it the best season to store winter fodder.

A 4,000-hectare natural grassland in Yining County of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture has entered the harvesting season, and farmers are driving grass-harvesting tractors and balers through the vast green fields these days.

This year, the local grass-cutting mechanization rate has reached 100 percent. One machine can complete the grass-cutting operation of 0.67 hectare of grassland per hour, which is more than eight times more efficient than traditional manual labor.

The harvesting season is expected to conclude in mid-August this year.

Mechanized equipment boosts forage grass harvesting in Xinjiang

A powerful winter storm swept through Toronto and surrounding areas on Thursday, causing school closures and travel delays as heavy snowfall reduced visibility and affected transportation services.

Meteorological authorities warned that heavy snowfall would greatly reduce visibility, while local transportation officials reported that several roads had been completely closed and major surface transit routes were operating at reduced speeds due to the storm.

Toronto Pearson International Airport officials announced Thursday that air traffic control measures had been implemented due to severe weather, affecting several inbound and outbound flights. Meanwhile, several local school boards in Toronto fully suspended classes, while others enacted partial closures in response to the storm.

Winter storm slams Toronto, closes schools, disrupts traffic