Hemp: Do you need special equipment to harvest?

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — As Midwest farmers look at the possibility of growing hemp on their farms, many are left with unanswered questions about the process.

While the crop is still fairly new to Nebraska, others have been waiting for this moment to help educate those who want to use it.

Andrew Bish is the founder and CEO of a hemp equipment manufacturer in Nebraska, and said there is a lot that goes into it starting with the tools used.

"You can use your average combine but there are some modifications so that you need to do. We can help provide those modifications. We also develop equipment that happens to be a lot more efficient. Some of the headers that we provide are more efficient than what they might have on their property today. Although a lot of the equipment that they do have on their property today would lend itself to grain varieties if that's what they wanted to grow," said the founder and CEO for Hemp Harvest Works Andrew Bish.

When it comes to hemp fiber, manufacturers said they have to design their equipment with the strength in mind.

"This is a type of plant that actually has a lot of strength and the strength of the fibers are stronger than steel in a lot situations. The way they design equipment you've got to make sure you design the equipment around that fiber and around the wrapping issues that are going to occur so you can prevent those in the field," said Bish.

If you're looking at growing hemp, you can click here to learn more about Hemp Harvest Works and their equipment.