Grain

Hemp grown for the seeds or grain will be harvested when approximately 70% of the seeds are mature. Hemp seeds are indeterminate developers, maturing from the bottom of the grain head up. Grain heads are going to be relatively wet, so once combined, seeds will need to be cleaned and put on aeration within 6 hours of harvest. Growers are using traditional combines with draper headers with the most success.

Seed cleaners are used to remove green material, immature seeds, and weed seeds. There are cleaners designed specifically for hemp seeds.

Aerated bins provide the most success when drying hemp seeds. Heat above 120F should be avoided. A moisture content of 8-9% is desirable for storage. Canadian drying recommendations

Processing after the seeds have been dried will depend on the desired end product. Cold press machines are used to crush the seeds and get fatty acid-rich hemp seed oil. This oil is added to food products or cosmetics. Hemp seed cake or meal is the bi-product of pressing the seeds for oil. The meal is often used to create protein powders. Hemp hearts are dehulled seeds. The dehulling process required cracking the hulls and removing them. Used for the hulls are being identified. 

Purdue's Department of Food Science has provided a hemp muffin recipe that is high in protein and dietary fiber. Find the recipe here.

Hemp as animal feed is not legal for commercial livestock operations, however, there are ongoing studies addressing this issue. Hemp Feed Coalition