Dogs may be man’s best friend, but at times a farmer’s best friend is the duck.

In Mie, Japan farmers began rice-duck farming for the year.

Ducks are raised in rice paddies where they eat insects and unwanted weeds. No pesticides are used in this ancient and eco-friendly method.

Local kindergarteners wished 70 ducklings good luck.

After the ducks finish work in July, rice will be harvested in August.

No word on what happens to the ducks.