Baling

Once the hemp straw undergoes retting and the glue layer between the fibre and core material dissolves sufficiently, the straw is compressed into bales. Optimally, the moisture content of the stalks should be less than 15% at the time of baling. The moisture content should then continue to drop to around 10% in the compressed state. Although round bales are more difficult to handle, they appear to be advantageous in terms of water absorption and therefore are more resistant to spoilage.