Q&A for How to Harvest Sugar Cane

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  • Question
    Do I have to cut down sugar cane? Will more cane grow if I leave the plants alone?
    Community Answer
    Yes - that is called retoon when the billet (30 cm cane piece) is left in the ground to reproduce. You do this for 3 years maximum, then hoe it out after that time.
  • Question
    What do you use to cut sugarcane?
    Community Answer
    A cutting blade works best. If you do not feel comfortable working with a cutting blade, you can use a machete or a hatchet.
  • Question
    When is sugarcane available in the southeastern united ststes?
    Community Answer
    Sugarcane is usually safe to harvest in late fall. Just make sure to harvest sugarcane before freezing temperatures set in.
  • Question
    How do you get sugar cane seeds?
    Community Answer
    You can purchase sugar cane seeds online or at a local greenhouse.
  • Question
    How much water does it take to grow a sugarcane plant?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the climate in your region. Sugarcane plants retain a lot of water naturally, so you may not have to water them frequently, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall.
  • Question
    Does the sugar come from inside the plant?
    Community Answer
    No, it forms on the roots.
  • Question
    Did farmers continue to use slaves to harvest sugar cane, even after the repeal of slavery?
    Community Answer
    No, you're thinking of cotton. And in some cases, yes, they would treat their former slaves poorly (as they became sharecroppers post-slavery), or not tell them they were free at all.
  • Question
    How is the sugar cane transported for ethanol?
    Community Answer
    The same as with the sugar industry, cane is transported via cane trucks immediately after harvesting to avoid post harvest losses.
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