Mechanical Dandelion and Burdock Root Harvesting
Answered by: Richard Alan Miller
Question from: Jon Fairbanks
Posted on: May 19, 2000

I get your email newsletter and I have a question about dandelion and burdock.

Can you tell me how the roots for these herbs can be mechanically harvested?

Because the tops of dandelion are also marketed (separately), I have used modified carrot harvesters. You can find used equipment of this type in Stockton, California, and other communities that row crop.

Be sure to check the roots for high levels of bacteria, when taken from pastures. Dandelion grows in most dairy operations, and can be as poor in quality as European imports.

Burdock grows along fence-line, and I’ve had best results using a disk plow. It can then be raked and picked up with potato gear (or equivalent). There is no market for the tops. Both crops should do well over the next several years. No mention of chicory (endive)?

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