The Trimmer Store’s Eric Singleton is one of the industry’s leading specialists in bud harvesting and processing automation and efficiency. Important, because when owning a professional grow, the often overlooked harvesting process will drain money, resources and time if not done properly. TWB sat down with Singleton, who helped us learn about trimming tips for home grows and has several years in the cannabis business as well as an extensive background in process management and logistics, to learn some insider tips and tricks for being more proficient during harvest. Enjoy his insightful, useful advice below.
Want to learn more? Check out Singleton’s workshop and live consult session, Evolution of Cannabis Harvesting: Learn to Reduce Stress and Costs Through Proficiency & Automation, at the 6th CannaGrow Expo in Denver on October 28th and 29th!
What tools does a large scale grower need for trimming large harvests?
Anything that can automate a step in the process. This means conveyor systems to reduce “transport time”, a trimming machine to reduce the amount of “touches” a flower calls for, a de-budder to remove flowers from their stem, and a packaging machine to get all that amazing product to the consumer. These are just a few key components that will start to help a large grow harvest more efficiently.
Would you recommend using a specific type of machine? Do you have a favorite brand?
I do have a favorite brand but you’ll have to call and talk to me to get that answer because each situation is unique—that’s why we have a list of extensive diagnostic questions we ask each client before beginning to help them pick out the machine that is best for them. Each machine on the market we carry has its pros and cons and will be better suited for different scenarios.
What are your top 3 basic tips for a large grow?
- Have a plan in place for you harvesting process long before the seed is planted.
- Be organized and have staff in place with defined roles for harvest day.
- Have replacement parts in place and ready to go. Think of a Formula 1 crew changing tires. Downtime costs money.
Besides buying and renting tools, how can a professional grower benefit from The Trimmer Store’s resources?
The number one item you must have from The Trimmer Store to have a successful harvest is a professional consult. This should take place when building the business, a month prior to harvest and one on harvest day. When taking this three stage approach, our consultants can help avoid all the major pain points of harvesting, as well as help you save money on investment mistakes like choosing the wrong machine for your needs.
What’s the future of professional harvesting look like?
In my mind, it looks very clean, organized and efficient. Flower will go from the grow to packaging with as little assistance from humans as possible.
Anything else?
It’s key to have an open mind. This is a new industry and we are the pioneers. Don’t be afraid to look at other successful more established industries for guidance. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And most importantly, don’t hold too tightly to the phrases “I’ve been doing this for years” or, “This is how we’ve always done it.” We are professionals now, and marijuana is now a professionally produced and sold product. Nothing that worked in the past in regards to harvesting will be sustainable in the future.
Eric Singleton advises a customer on the best trimming tools for his grow. Photo credit: Dan Curtis
