Harvesting, handling and shipping Harvesting, and its timing, are critical in buckwheat growing. Getting them right is essential for high quality, and the buying companies are always on hand with advice and support, especially for their newer growers. The buyer will nominate a seed cleaning company for growers to deliver to, and advice can also be sought from that company. There will often be some unripe seeds, green stems and leaves, and even flowers still on the plant. Direct heading is sometimes possible but many crops will need desiccation or windrowing to prevent the leaves from blocking riddles and contaminating the sample.
Moisture content is critical for buckwheat quality.
Harvesting at a higher moisture content for immediate delivery and drying may be an option. The seed cleaner will determine the percentage of high quality grain in the sample and the buyer will pay full price for that amount. The residue will fetch a lower price for stockfeed. Use a slow drum speed and wide concave as over-threshing increases contamination of the sample with stem pieces and unripe seeds. Unless the sample is very clean and of correct moisture, it must be delivered immediately to the cleaning plant, or the grain will deteriorate rapidly.