Those look fine for chopping, it wasn't early. It's likely the bud wasn't dry enough before you jarred, even with the outsides being crispy. They hay smell doesn't leave if it's too moist.
Make sure the buds easily snap off the stems before they go into jars.
Getting ready to chop my GSC x Zkittlez. This strain has been amazing in terms of budrot, I've only had to cut two little nugs. Next year I'm going 100% GSC crosses.
It sucks but it gets easier realizing it can be a normal part of outdoor growing. I cut 3-4 moldy buds a day and throw them in the trash without thinking about it these days.
I'd pay for it if it worked better than Regalia and chitosan. Only thing I can think of on that level is myclobutanil-type systemic fungicides, which I won't spray on my MJ plants.