Farm Report: Hemp Flowering Finale

Here in Maine autumn is well underway with plentiful sun-kissed days, chilly nights, and that warm golden light the fall sun casts over the landscape. The flowering hemp is quickly ripening as its exotic fragrance floats on the morning breeze.

Things seem to be on an accelerated schedule this year, which means an earlier harvest. Looks like as soon as next week. Not entirely sure what accounts for the change. We had an unusually wet and gray spring/early summer followed by weeks of punishing drought in July and August. Perhaps that has something to do with it, but I’m hearing hemp growers in other parts of the country reporting similar early ripening.

Not that I’m complaining, harvesting in mid-September reduces the chances for mold or frost damage here in New England, where October can bring stretches of cold and damp weather.

Passing the THC Test

Happy to report that yesterday we learned the crop passed the annual hemp compliance test required by the State. This is a big deal for hemp growers because if your hemp tests above the Federal limit for THC content–0.3%–the crop has to be destroyed! Isn’t farming fun?

While the plants are smaller this year, the flowers look (and smell) terrific. They’re getting lots of sun which helps them ripen, while the cool nights seem to move the process along as well. The leaves are starting to turn yellow as the plants divert their energy to growing flowers.

Always feels like a major accomplishment to finally see the flowering hemp finish up in the field. So much time, energy, work, and yes, worry, goes into growing this crop. It’s very satisfying to reach the finish line–and we’re just about there!