(Rural Travel·Looking at Revitalization) “New Farmers” in Duchang, Jiangxi Province, Breeding and Calligraphy

In a recent visit to Guozhuang Village in Beishan Township, Duchang County, Jiangxi, I had the opportunity to speak with Guo Shaoping, a “new farmer” who has seamlessly combined his passions for aquaculture and calligraphy. As I approached the village, the sounds of geese echoed in the air, and soon, I saw Guo tending to his flock.

Making a significant career change in 2015, Guo left his long-standing position in hotel supply sales in Shanghai to return home and develop an ecological farming business. “I started off by selling our products door-to-door in the village, and now I’ve established stable online and offline sales channels,” he explained, recounting his steady journey into entrepreneurship.

Guo elaborated on his extensive operations: “I manage 200 acres of ponds, where I raise over 2,000 geese and stock around 50,000 fish fry.” Beyond aquaculture, he has also invested in a modern pig farm covering 5,000 square meters, with an annual capacity of over 2,200 pigs, leading to an output of 5,000 pigs each year.

His pig farm employs smart technology for operation, maintaining constant temperature and humidity, automatic feeding, and a zero-waste cleaning system. The facility is thoughtfully divided into 11 independent units, catering to various stages of pig growth, from breeding to fattening, ensuring a scientific and regulated farming process.

With his aquaculture business now thriving, Guo has rediscovered his love for calligraphy. Every evening after tending to his farm, he sets aside time to practice. Duchang County, known as a “home of calligraphy,” has a rich tradition in the art, and Guo, through diligent practice and peer engagement, has developed his skills, aspiring to embody the styles of the renowned “Two Wangs” of Chinese calligraphy.

In recent years, Duchang County has been focused on enhancing agricultural practices through support for planting, raising livestock, and product processing. By facilitating funding, organizing workshops, and inviting experts for on-site guidance, the county has been cultivating a new generation of professional farmers equipped with both agricultural knowledge and internet savvy, promoting rural revitalization efforts.