Hemp grows extremely fast, from seed to 10 feet tall in less than 90 days. To transport nutrients and water, long hollow veins grow through the plant called xylem. These veins create maximum surface area within hemp hurd for ample moisture storage.

The xylem are held together with an antioxidant glue called lignin. By weight, lignin makes up 24% of hemp hurd. Lignin has a complex structure which is highly reactionary with oxidizing gases and bacteria forming microbes. The antioxidant properties within lignin eliminates harmful oxidizing ammonia gases emanated from animal waste.

Additionally, hemp hurd contains a small yet concentrated amount of essential oil. This oil acts as a natural pesticide to protect the plant from insects during growth. The presence of this oil has been proven to reduce the livability of parasites, larve, and mites.

Hemp bedding users report better smelling, more dry barns with less flys.