An Introduction To Hemp Farming

With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, Hemp and CBD are now legal for growing and selling within the United States, thus unlocking a billion dollar market that is expected to grow exponentially within the the next few years. What do you need in order to grow your own farm? Industrial Hemp Farms has drawn up a handy guide to help out.

First and foremost, farmers must consider growing conditions. Hemp is both very versatile in many uses, it also is super virulent in most environments, barring extreme climates like deserts and high mountain regions. Industrial Hemp Farms recommends that “the best growing conditions for hemp, are warm-weather areas with well-drained soil rich in organic material. Avoid ground with excessively wet climate or soil.” The typical growing cycle for hemp is 108-120 days. Be sure to irrigate the planted seeds, especially during the first six weeks in the soil; the plants are more fragile and prone to dryness in the beginning stages.

If you are planning on using your Hemp for fiber, special machinery is necessary. This is where some farmers may hit a snag because each state has different rules and regulations on Hemp growing practice and use. The standard legal compliance level is 0.3% THC, but all states differ and each farmer should do their due diligence before growing Hemp. If all boxes are checked but costs are still too hefty, Industrial Hemp Farms states that farmers can contract a company or service to process raw plant material for them in order to cut down on costs.

Additionally, famers must consider which pesticides to use against natural predators and bugs. Most Hemp plants are grown organically, meaning that it “doesn’t require a great deal of supplementary nutrition and is reasonably pest- and disease-resistant.” The National Pesticide Information Center provides information to further nurture your baby plants into adulthood, around 90-100 days. “Once seed bracts have fully matured, they expose the seeds they contain, allowing you to air dry them naturally,” the site notes. “At this point, approximately 100 to 120 days after the seeds were planted (around September or October), the plant is primed for harvest.”

Hemp is considered a “low-maintenance” plant—no special machinery is required outside of standard combines. Industrial Hemp Farms recommends to harvest only when grain moisture is between 12-18% to minimize fiber wrapping. For Hemp fiber, “wait one or two days minimum after harvesting the grain and ideally until the following spring,” the site recommends. “Bale hemp fiber at no greater than 15% moisture in big square bales. Expect to yield approximately one to three tons of hemp fiber per acre.”

For conventional Hemp, you can expect about 1,000 pounds per acre, and for organic Hemp about 500 pounds per acre. Averagely, though, one can yield $130-$730 per acre, according to Cornell University.“You can produce multiple hemp products for the market from a single plant by making use of its roots, leaves, flowers, stalks, and seeds. Growing organic hemp also expands the range of marketable products you can produce. Whatever your intended use for your hemp crops, it is wise to set up a contract with one or more buyers ahead of time so you know your products will have a venue for distribution.”