Suggestions and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.
• 25 - 35 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.

SUGGESTED FERTILIZING RATES:

• 70 to 80 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 25% - 30%. 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.
• Calibration of all seeding equipment is essential!

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.

BALING:

• Soft-core baler 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%.

STORAGE:

• Preferably under cover.
• Some 1998 bales are being stored outdoors. Any damage will be assessed later in the year. Alternate methods of storage are being addressed. Will distribute updates when available.