China ‘hardcore grandma’ gains fame for farm fertilisation drone skills and as live-streamer
Dai views her new role as both a source of entertainment and a way to stay connected with her family
An 82-year-old woman from eastern China, affectionately known as the “hardcore grandma,” has captivated many with her remarkable skills in operating field fertilisation drones and her success as a live-streamer selling rice.
Born in 1943, Dai Shuying hails from Laomei Village in Xindu Town, Tongcheng, Anhui province.
In her youth, she worked as a bookkeeper and was regarded as one of the few “educated individuals” in her village, capable of reading, writing, and performing calculations.
While raising five children – three of whom eventually moved to cities – Dai remained in the village with her eldest son and her 40-year-old grandson, Wang Tiantian. Together, they manage over 600 mu (40 hectares) of farmland.
Although she has stepped back from physically demanding farm work, Dai maintains her energy and good health.