To help a family that lacks labor by doing farmwork on their behalf, such as voluntary work for families of soldiers or martyrs.

To make a living through work other than farming, especially in a traditional agricultural society; often used in expressions like 以笔代耕 yǐ​bǐ​dài​gēng for writing or 以舌代耕 yǐ​shé​dài​gēng for teaching.