Have you thought about the potential for your farm if you grow hemp? Hemp consumption is increasing, due to its highly nutritious properties and because it is a green and sustainable crop.
Hemp used to be a popular and profitable crop in America. We were using it to make everything from ropes to paper. However, cannabis laws changed that when they began to outlaw certain hemp crops in the 1930s.
But hemp has many other uses even today. Its fiber is used to make paper, textiles, plastics, and plywood. Its seeds, rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, are increasingly popular in cereals and salads and are ground to make flour.
Many farmers who grow hemp place their hopes on it, particularly those in areas where large tobacco crops are produced. However, weakening demand has slowed down the sail of hemp. Even corn and soybean prices have halved compared to the beginning of this decade.
What Can You Make with Hemp?
- Clothes
- Food
- Building Blocks
- Nutritious Oils
- Furniture
- Cords
- Paper
- Animal Feed
- Shampoo
- Paint
- Fuels
- Lubricants
- Varnishes
- Geotextiles
- Auto parts
- And more!
Is Hemp the Same Thing as Marijuana?
No. Hemp and marijuana do come from the same plant, but they are completely different strains.
Do You Need Special Equipment to Grow Hemp?
Hemp is an annual crop that typically uses standard farming methods, tools, and equipment.
Can You Grow Hemp Where You Live?
Do you live in an area that has the potential for growth and is conducive to running a hemp business? The states that are taking advantage of the industry right now include Colorado, Kentucky, Minnesota, Montana, Iowa, and North Carolina. There are still nine states that have not legalized hemp growing.
Your climate must have distinctive seasons; hot summers, cold winters, and plenty of sunlight and moonlight. The soil doesn’t need to be high quality to grow hemp, but other conditions must be met for best growth. As mentioned, hot days and cold nights are optimal, along with flat fields for proper percolation.
Are Hemp Farmers in High Demand?
Hemp seeds supply is limited, which will slow down production, but the US is looking at 100,000 to 200,000 acres of farmland being devoted to hemp. There is an abundant seed supply outside of the US, but farmers don’t yet know how it will acclimate to certain latitudes and longitudes.
Do You Need Experience?
Yes, hemp growing takes high-level farming experience. First, if there is crop failure due to pests, mildew, or mold, there won’t be any way to get the product to the market.
Additionally, not all farms are equipped to handle all aspects of the hemp growing business. It’s not only growing the hemp that you must consider, but also the appropriate processing and dispensing of the plant.
Did You Know…
The THC limit in a hemp plant is .3, but a farmer might not realize he’s growing hemp with high THC content. If the plant exceeds .3 THC, it is the law that it must be handed over to authorities and destroyed. This is a vital part of hemp growing, so make sure you give it lots of consideration.
Have you been thinking that a hemp crop might be in your future? Give careful thought to crop insurance. Give us a call today at 765-676-9666, and we’ll tell you all about our plans and policies.
Recent Comments