Hemp should be cut once flowering commences which, with current varieties, occurs at the end of July. The growth of the Hemp plant virtually ceases after flowering starts and cutting becomes increasingly harder as the levels of lignin build up. Crops can be cut by most makes of disc or reciprocating knife mower. The object is to leave the crop as thinly spread across the field as possible and to avoid leaving a tightly packed swath. In most situations we would expect crops to be cut down by 7th August latest.
Once
cut the crop must lie on the ground for a period (usually 3-4 weeks) for
the leaf to senesce and fall off the stem and for retting to take place. This
natural process of wetting and drying the stems initiates the separation of the
outer fibres from the inner pithy core and is a critical part of the harvesting
operation. Without sufficient retting this
separation of fibre from core is impossible to complete in our factory.
Conversely, if the crop becomes over retted the fibres lose their strength and
suitability for our markets. Assessing the correct level of retting and
prioritising the baling of the crop at the appropriate time are fundamental to
the successful growing of Hemp. 
Hemp
must be baled with belt type variable chamber round balers. Bales should not
exceed 1.5 metres in diameter. 1.2 metre (4ft) bales load better onto lorries
and more weight can be carried. We strongly recommend John Deere balers equipped
with the John Deere Hemp Kit. Bales must be be tied with natural twine eg.
Sisal. The increasing cost of disposal of net wrap means the use of the latter
will incur a discount of £5.00/tonne.
Bales should
immediately be removed from the field and stored under cover. Stacking on
pallets is recommended on anything other than good quality concrete floors as
hemp straw is very absorbent. Please note that bales of Hemp do not shed rainwater. Intake to
the factory is a year round operation and you should alert the company to an
specific requirements for movement.
Hemcore
employ the services of a dedicated haulier to collect straw from farm and
deliver to factory. Payment for straw is on a delivered factory price and
haulage charges are fixed on a per load x distance basis. As a guide, haulage
costs vary between £10 - £25 per tonne depending on distance and the weight of
the load. Growers who wish to organise their own transport may do so but should
notify their intention when signing their contract. In most cases Hemcore can
recommend good hauliers or growers are free to arrange their own transport.
Payment is on a delivered factory basis.