PRODUCER FAQ

Suggestions and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a license to become an Industrial Hemp grower?

License applications must be made each year to Office of Controlled Substances, Health Canada.
 
Phone the PIHG Office at 629-HEMP (629-4367). The PIHG Office is available to walk you through the process, answer your questions and assist you in any way we can. A complete information package will be sent out upon request.

Growers will find this information useful, however, keep in mind that the following are only suggestions...

SEEDING:
       • Seed into ground free of chemical residue such as Edge, Treflan,  
          Odyssey, Avadex, Pursuit. Preferably wheat, barley or oats stubble. 
       • Seeding date May 15-May 30. Ground temperature should be similar to
          Canola preferably above 8 to 10 degrees Celcius.
       • For Grain production seed 20 - 25 lbs seed per acre. Seeding depth,
          3/4" - 1 1/4" preferably packed after seeding, or air drill with on-row
          packing if using air seeder, use minimum air flow.
        • For Fibre production use 35 to 45 pounds per acre seeding rate.
        • Calibration of all seeding equipment is essential!
 
SUGGESTED FERTILIZING RATES:
        • 70 to 90 lb. Actual N
        • 35 to 40 lb. Phosphate
        • Potash and Sulfur as required per soil testing. 
        • Micro-nutrient soil testing suggested.
 
HARVEST: (Crop to be taken off for grain)
        • Moisture 15% - 25% is ideal. Dry within 4 hours or sooner. Watch for
          heating, or use aeration bin with full floor and large fan. Depth of grain
          in bin about 4-5 feet. Handle crop with auger full and at slow speeds,
          similar to handling peas, beans, etc.
        • Straight cut crop as high as is required to harvest seed from stalk.
          Combine setting will depend on conditions and type of combine.

MODIFICATION:
        • Narrow feeder house by placing plates on each side of feeder. More
          modifications may be required on different makes of combines. Use
          caution. Observe all places any wrapping could occur and address the
          problem promptly.

CUTTING THE FIBRE
        • Machines used for cutting self-propelled swather - haybine.
        • 16 to 18 ft swath MAX
        • Cutting height: as close to the ground as possible .
        • Cutting pattern: Opposite to combine travel so as to pick up fibre in
           tracks. 
        • Fibre only crops are cut after pollination (flowering) until 50% seed set,
           Should be cut before viable seeds are present.

BALING: 
         • Soft-core and hard core balers proven to be very successful in the
           past.
         • Address any problems of wrapping by covering the area with tin,
           canvass, or whatever works in the particular situation.
         • For highest price potential bales must be at 14% or lower.

STORAGE of Bales:
         • Preferably under cover.
         • Bales must be dry.