Abstract: A decortication system includes a feeder configured to convey unoriented fiber-bearing plant stalks in a bulk mass and a decorticator assembly comprising a multi-stage decorticator assembly. The decorticator assembly includes at least a first stage decorticator and a second stage decorticator arranged in series with one another. The first stage decorticator comprises a ripper that is configured to separate stalks from the bulk mass delivered by the feeder and to meter movement of stalks away from the ripper. The second stage decorticator is located downstream of the ripper and further decorticates the stalks to produce fiber and hurd that are separated from one another. It may comprise a roller-roller breaker assembly comprising plurality of roller-breaker assemblies located in series with one another. A third stage decorticator may be located downstream of the second stage decorticator and may comprise a second roller-breaker assembly.