Farm Equipment: Intriguing Hemp Harvesting Implement Surfaces

By Matthew J. Grassi|May 27, 2020

Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill unleashed the power of industrial hemp upon American agriculture, farmers have bemoaned the absence of a viable hemp combine for harvesting the crop.

Some enterprising farmers have turned to customizing SP windrowers or trying out hay swathers. But these hemp farmers face an unusual challenge. One, the cannabinoid-rich top sections of the plant demand for a delicate touch when chopping them. Combine that with how extremely strong a fully developed hemp plant’s main stalk is. That combo has proven tough to overcome.

Looking to solve this unique market challenge, a German company has released it’s hemp harvesting implement, Henry’s Hemp Harvester, which recently was nominated for a “2020 Hemp Product of the Year” award by Nova Institute.

Here’s the description from Nova Institute’s award nomination:

“The HHHarvester is a double-module front-loaded attachment for harvesting industrial hemp flowers and stems. Four years in research, development and production, the harvester is durable, proven technology that turns out high-quality cannabis buds. The harvester can be driven by a small tractor, has an aluminium frame and rollers for weight reduction, stainless steel parts such as chains and other flower-contacting parts for food- and pharmacy-grade products, hydraulic drives for the main aggregates and an electric scissor-bar. The weight of a double-module configuration is estimated at 350 kg, so any tractor with sufficient hydraulic performance can easily carry it.”