By the editor: Jeremy Thomas
Exciting times are ahead for the hemp industry as Wandarra prepares to scale a dual-purpose hemp crop for both seed and fibre. This season, their innovative approach maximised the potential of industrial hemp by harvesting high-quality grain while utilising the remaining biomass. With the help of ThriveTech™ “Grow Better Now,” a data-driven growth management system, Wandarra’s farmers achieved record-breaking yields in Northern Queensland.
Now, they shift focus to processing the biomass, showcasing hemp’s incredible versatility and further advancing sustainable farming practices.
By Mary Hobson of Wandarra
This season, our growers began planting in mid to late May with the goal of producing a high-quality grain crop, while also ensuring the leftover biomass could be harvested. Our approach maximises the full potential of the industrial hemp plant, aligning with our commitment to sustainable farming by utilising every part of the crop.
Thanks to our advanced growth management system, ThriveTech™ “Grow Better Now”, our farmers received precise, data-driven guidance throughout the growing season. This cutting-edge system optimises each stage of the crop’s development, from seed selection, planting, fertiliser and irrigation rates to harvesting. As a result, our growers have achieved some of the best grain yields ever seen in Northern Queensland, showcasing the remarkable benefits of combining industrial hemp farming with smart cultivation practices.
With the grain harvest behind us, we’re now shifting our focus to the biomass left standing in the fields. This next phase demonstrates the full versatility of hemp, highlighting its potential as a dual-purpose crop. By harvesting both grain and biomass, we maximise the crop’s value, further contributing to a more sustainable and efficient farming model.
Currently, the biomass is undergoing retting, a natural process that takes about two weeks. Retting allows the stalks to break down slightly, making it easier to separate the fibres and ensuring the highest quality biomass for processing. Once this stage is complete, we’ll have a clear picture of the exact biomass yield and the overall value of this season’s crop.
Wandarra | Hemp Hurd Supplier
We’re excited to see the progress of this hemp dual crop as the season continues. With the grain harvest complete and biomass now undergoing the final stages of processing, we look forward to evaluating the full potential of this sustainable, dual-purpose approach. Stay tuned for updates on the final yield, as Wandarra’s commitment to innovation and sustainability paves the way for future advancements in hemp farming. Editor: Jeremy Thomas
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