Shenyang farmers prepare for spring plowing

As the temperatures rise in mid-March, farmers in Shenyang start to prepare for spring plowing, wishing for a good harvest in the new year.

An aerial view of farmers processing corn stalks in the fields in Shenyang, in Liaoning province, on March 18. The corn stalks are broken up and used to feed cattle and sheep, which not only cuts down on air pollution caused by burning the stalks, but also provides enough food for livestock during the colder months. [Photo/nen.com.cn]

A farmer dons a protective dust-proof mask while toiling in the fields in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on March 18. [Photo/nen.com.cn]

Back breaking work: corn stalks are thrown onto a crusher. [Photo/nen.com.cn]

The crushed corn stalks are packaged in the fields in Shenyang. [Photo/nen.com.cn]

At the end of the process, farmers haul packaged corn stalks onto a waiting truck. [Photo/nen.com.cn]