Not only is it important to ensure you have the correct seeds, soil, and farming capacity, to grow hemp, but the way it is handled once it is ready for harvest is also VERY important depending on what you plan to do with the crop. It must be stored securely under the right climate and moisture controls and has to be processed according to how it is being sold. If it is being sold for extraction, it can be bundled up by machinery as a “whole plant” or “Biomass” and shipped. However, if it is being harvested for smokeable flower, it must be dried, shucked, and trimmed. There are a variety of ways, some right and some wrong, to do all of these processes.
Hemp Processing
Not only is it important to ensure you have the correct seeds, soil, and farming capacity, to grow hemp, but the way it is handled once it is ready for harvest is also VERY important depending on what you plan to do with the crop. It must be stored securely under the right climate and moisture controls and has to be processed according to how it is being sold. If it is being sold for extraction, it can be bundled up by machinery as a “whole plant” or “Biomass” and shipped. However, if it is being harvested for smokeable flower, it must be dried, shucked, and trimmed. There are a variety of ways, some right and some wrong, to do all of these processes.
Drying
Drying should be accomplished by securely staging the unshucked and bucked buds in a large room, storage unit, or shipping container for 10 to 14 days in order to dry it to the appropriate moisture content which is ideal at between 8% and 12% for smokable flower. Our drying is done in shipping containers on the property of the extraction facility. All containers are locked and secure, have interior battery-operated “wink” cameras for added security, and are secured with an alarm system. It is important to maintain the correct temperature during drying. Many that are unfamiliar with the process have made the mistake of trying to use room heaters in the drying area, which can have a negative effect on the smokable flower concerning testing, and the look, color, and smell of the product. The appropriate way to dry is in a secure, temperature-controlled facility with fans blowing room temperature air circulation.
Trimming
At Bio Distro, we currently have 3 Gladiator double-barrel trimmers from centurion trimmers, with the following trimming capacity.
Gladiator Trimmer
We can come to you or ship your load to us and trim from 10-$15 per lb depending on the total quantity needing to be trimmed. We have a current wet trimming capacity of approximately 450 lbs per hour or dry trimming capacity at 90 lbs per hour. Contact us.