Harvesting Hemp: A Comprehensive Guide for a Successful Yield

Harvesting hemp, whether for fiber, seed, or CBD, is a crucial step in the cultivation process. The timing and method of harvest significantly impact the quality and yield of the final product. Unlike other crops, hemp doesn’t have a single, universally accepted harvesting method. The optimal approach varies depending on the intended use of the plant, the specific variety grown, and the resources available. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of harvesting hemp, covering various techniques and providing detailed instructions for each. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Timing of Harvest

Before you even think about cutting down your hemp, you need to know when the optimal harvest window is. Harvesting too early or too late can drastically reduce your yields and the quality of your product. Here’s what to look for based on your intended use:

Hemp for Fiber

When harvesting hemp for fiber, you aim for the plants to be mature but before the seeds have fully developed. The ideal time is generally when the plants reach a stage of early pollen shed in the male plants. This is typically around 70-90 days after planting, though this can vary slightly depending on the variety and your climate. Here are specific indicators:

• Plant Height: The plants should be at their full height and nearing the end of their vegetative growth phase.
• Male Plants: Look for the appearance of pollen sacs on male plants. The first signs of pollen shedding indicate the fiber will be at its optimal quality.
• Lower Leaves: The lower leaves will start to yellow and may begin to drop off.
• Fiber Development: The stalk will start to become tougher and more fibrous. You can test this by trying to peel off a layer of the outer bark; if it comes away easily, the fiber is likely ready.

Hemp for Seed

Harvesting for seeds requires a later harvest compared to fiber. You’ll want to wait until the seeds are fully mature and have begun to dry. Typically, this is around 120-140 days after planting, but again, this is variety and climate dependent. Here’s what to look for:

• Seed Development: The seeds will be large, hard, and have a dark or mottled color. When you squeeze a seed, it should feel firm and not yield to pressure.
• Seed Pods: The seed pods will start to brown and dry. Some may begin to open slightly.
• Plant Maturity: The leaves and stalks will have generally turned brown and dried.

Hemp for CBD

Harvesting for CBD production requires a keen understanding of the cannabinoid content in the flower. The ideal time to harvest is when the trichomes (the resin glands) on the flowers are at their peak maturity. This is typically around 8-10 weeks into the flowering stage, but it can vary significantly by variety and growing conditions. Here’s what to look for:

• Trichomes: Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to examine the trichomes. They should be milky white with some amber trichomes indicating peak cannabinoid content. Clear trichomes suggest the plant needs more time, while mostly amber trichomes indicate it’s likely overripe.
• Pistils: The pistils (hair-like structures on the flowers) should mostly be orange or red and curled inwards.
• Flower Size: The flower buds will be fully formed and dense.
• Plant Analysis: Ideally, send samples of your flowers to a lab to test for cannabinoid content, specifically the CBD levels.

Tools and Equipment for Harvesting Hemp

Having the right tools and equipment can make the harvest process much easier and more efficient. Here’s a list of items you might need:

• Cutting Tools:
  • Hemp Sickles or Knives: For manual harvesting, sharp sickles or knives are essential. They need to be sturdy enough to cut through thick hemp stalks.
  • Hemp Combine Harvester: For larger operations, a combine harvester specifically designed for hemp is necessary.
  • Tractor with a Mower: A tractor-mounted mower can be used for large-scale harvesting, but it may not be ideal for all applications due to potential damage to the fiber.
  • Chainsaws or Brush Cutters: These can be used for cutting individual plants, but extra caution should be taken to avoid injury.
• Collection and Transportation:
  • Tarps or Sheets: Useful for collecting the cut plants and keeping them off the ground.
  • Trucks or Trailers: Essential for transporting the harvested hemp to the processing facility.
  • Bags or Bins: For smaller harvests or for collecting seeds, suitable storage containers are needed.
• Protective Gear:
  • Gloves: Hemp stalks can be rough and can irritate the skin, so gloves are necessary.
  • Long Sleeves and Pants: To protect against skin irritation and scratches.
  • Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are essential when using power equipment.
  • Dust Mask or Respirator: When harvesting large quantities, the air can become dusty, especially if it’s very dry and you are using machinery, a mask or respirator will be very beneficial.
• Optional Tools:
  • Scales: For weighing yields.
  • Moisture Meter: For determining the moisture content of hemp before storage.
  • Magnifying Glass or Jeweler’s Loupe: For assessing trichome maturity.

Step-by-Step Harvesting Instructions

The exact process of harvesting hemp will depend on your intended use and the scale of your operation. Here’s a breakdown of the steps for different applications:

Harvesting Hemp for Fiber (Manual Method)

1. Preparation: Gather your tools, including sickles or knives, protective gear, and collection tarps. Make sure your workspace is free of obstructions and your vehicles are ready to transport the harvested plants.
2. Cutting the Stalks: Using your sickle or knife, cut the stalks at the base, close to the ground. Be careful not to get tangled in the plants.
3. Laying Down the Stalks: Lay the cut stalks gently on the tarps. Try not to stack them too heavily or damage them. It is often best to have a few tarps laid out so you can lay the stalks out in rows on the tarp to give the stalks a better chance to cure.
4. Bundling (Optional): If you want to prepare the stalks for easy transportation or processing, bundle them together, tie the bundles loosely, and transport them as required.
5. Field Retting or Drying: Field retting is the process of letting the plants dry in the field for a period of time to help break down the fibers. It is better to lay the plants in rows for air circulation. Otherwise, the cut plants will be transported for drying by hang drying or by using a drying system.
6. Transporting: Use a truck or trailer to transport the harvested hemp to the processing facility.

Harvesting Hemp for Fiber (Mechanical Method)

1. Preparation: Make sure that the hemp combine harvester or tractor is in good working order and ready to use. Ensure that the area has been cleared, and any obstacles have been removed. Make sure you have protective equipment.
2. Cutting and Windrowing: The hemp combine harvester or tractor with a mower will cut the stalks and lay them down in a windrow for drying in the field.
3. Turning the Windrows: Allow the plants to dry in the field, turning the windrows as needed to ensure even drying.
4. Baling: If needed, use a baler to bundle the dried stalks into bales for easier transport.
5. Transportation: Load the bales onto trucks or trailers and transport them to the processing facility.

Harvesting Hemp for Seed

1. Preparation: Prepare your collection containers, cutting tools, and drying space.
2. Cutting the Plants: Cut the plants using sickles, knives, or a combine harvester, depending on your scale. If you are collecting manually, it is best to bundle the stalks together to make processing easier.
3. Drying the Plants: Once harvested, the entire plant is usually hung or stacked to dry, sometimes in a greenhouse or barn, with good airflow to ensure they don’t rot or go moldy. Some farmers will let the plants dry in the field.
4. Threshing: Once the plants are dry, separate the seeds from the stalks. This can be done manually by beating the dried seed heads on a tarp or by using a thresher. A combine harvester can also perform this task.
5. Cleaning: Use screens to remove any debris from the seeds and only keep seeds from healthy plants.
6. Storage: Store the cleaned, dried seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation.

Harvesting Hemp for CBD

1. Preparation: Assemble your tools, protective gear, and collection bins or containers. Prepare your drying area.
2. Inspecting Trichomes: Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to examine the trichomes and confirm they are at peak maturity. Look for mostly milky-white and some amber trichomes.
3. Cutting the Flower Heads: Carefully cut the flower heads from the plants, keeping them intact. You can also cut whole branches if desired.
4. Trimming: Remove excess leaves from the flower heads to improve airflow and reduce mold risk during drying.
5. Drying: Dry the flower heads in a well-ventilated area, usually hanging upside down, with low humidity and temperatures around 60-70°F (15-21°C).
6. Curing: After drying, cure the flower buds in airtight containers for a few weeks to improve their quality, flavor, and cannabinoid profile.
7. Storing: Once cured, store the buds in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Post-Harvest Handling and Processing

Proper handling and processing after harvesting are crucial for preserving the quality of your hemp. Here are key steps:

Drying

Drying hemp after harvest is essential to prevent mold and spoilage. The method of drying depends on the intended use. For fiber, plants can be field retted or dried using industrial drying systems. For seed, the plants are usually dried by hanging or stacking. For CBD, the flower buds should be dried slowly in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. The ideal moisture content for storage is below 12%.

Curing (For CBD)

Curing the flowers is essential for enhancing the flavor, aroma, and cannabinoid profile of CBD hemp. It involves storing the dried flower buds in airtight containers for several weeks, opening the containers regularly to “burp” them and release excess moisture and gases. This process breaks down chlorophyll and helps convert certain cannabinoids.

Separating and Cleaning

If you are harvesting for seeds or fiber, you will need to separate the usable parts from the stalks and other plant matter. For seeds, threshing and cleaning are essential. For fiber, retting (either in the field or using a controlled process) helps to break down the outer layers for easier fiber extraction.

Storage

Proper storage is critical for maintaining the quality of your harvested hemp. Seeds should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place. Fiber should be stored in a dry area, often in bales, ready for further processing. Dried flower buds should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry location after the curing process.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Harvesting hemp is not without its challenges. Here are some common issues you might encounter and ways to address them:

• Weather: Rain can disrupt the harvest and cause mold. Plan to harvest during a dry period if possible. If it rains, you will need to speed up the drying process.
• Labor Shortages: Harvesting can be labor-intensive, especially if done manually. Consider hiring help if needed.
• Equipment Malfunctions: Ensure your equipment is in good working order before the harvest to avoid downtime.
• Uneven Maturation: Some plants may mature at different rates. Harvest selectively to ensure you’re capturing the best product. It is also good practice to start with the plants that are most mature and leave the rest until they reach the ideal maturity.
• Pest and Disease Outbreaks: If you have a pest or disease outbreak, you must act quickly and remove infected plants and implement strategies to protect the rest of the plants.

Conclusion

Harvesting hemp is a complex process that requires careful planning, attention to detail, and the right tools and equipment. By following the steps outlined in this guide and understanding the specific needs of your crop, you can ensure a successful and rewarding harvest, whether you’re producing fiber, seed, or CBD. Remember to always monitor your crop carefully, adapt to changing conditions, and use best practices for post-harvest handling to maximize the quality of your final product.

This comprehensive guide should provide you with a strong foundation to begin your hemp harvesting journey. However, the best way to learn is through hands-on experience and further research. Keep learning, stay dedicated, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful hemp harvest season!