AS TEXANS CONTEMPLATE GROWING HEMP, HEMPTON FARMS LENDS AN EXPERIENCED HAND.
As the Texas Department of Agriculture begins to get ready to issue licenses to grow hemp in the Lone Star State, there are many who are looking forward to the opportunity to be involved in this agricultural renaissance of America. The passage of the Farm Bill in 2018 made hemp – once again – an agricultural commodity in the nation and that has allowed for farmers throughout the United States to consider the high yield crop.
Being leaders in hemp farming and agribusiness, Hempton Farms has been managing, consulting, growing and extracting federally legal hemp throughout the United States. From their consistent seed genetics to their compliant execution for hemp-based manufacturing, Hempton Farms has been instrumental in revitalizing farming communities throughout the country.
It is with this experience that CEO Janson Hoambrecker shares some top tips for Texans as they may be contemplating growing hemp.
“Be mindful of where you plan to grow, and work with those you know,” Explains Hoambrecker. “This is not a standard crop – because of regulations and requirements – so it is important to not treat it like anything else they may have grown before.”
Regulations between various federal and state governmental entities will all have a voice when it comes to the work and where the resulting crop may end up.
Of the many regulations, the most important is the percentage of THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid in cannabis genre of plants that renders the psychoactive effects (the “high”) and its percentage in the makeup is what will label the end crop as “Texas legal” or not. To be able to grow compliant hemp for the masses, the crop must be able to pass testing showcasing a THC level of .3% or less.
For hemp to be able to be grown as agriculturally compliant, that percentage of THC is managed through comprehensive seed genetics and the diligent management of growth through harvest. Of the many companies that offer seeds, Hempton Farms seeds are genetically engineered to be nationally compliant.
“But that’s not enough,” explains Hoambrecker, stating that, Hempton has also been sure to have enough farms throughout the U.S. to be able to provide regionally specific seed.
“If you’re in Texas and someone says they have Colorado clones that will work the same in Texas as they do in Colorado, walk away,” warns Hoambrecker. “That just won’t work well. The region’s climate, soil and atmosphere are different. If you’re going to put the time, money and effort into farming hemp, you want to be sure that your result is a desired one.”
Unfortunately for many who are stepping into the hemp or CBD markets, there have been costly mistakes. These are the very mistakes that Hempton hopes to help Texans avoid.
“We’re here to help. We have seeds that work in Texas,” states Hoambrecker. “From seed genetics to applying the label on an end product, Hempton is there along the way. We have generations of farming experience and we know the potential this plant has.”
That family farming experience is one of the things that Hempton believes will set them apart when it comes to helping Texans get to growing. “It’s not just our seeds. It’s that we are a coalition of partners with the American farmer at top of mind. There are a lot of people who see the popularity of the plant and want to dive-in feet first – and we love the excitement – but real due diligence is needed to be successful.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture is in the final phases of preparing to execute licenses for hemp farming and Hempton has been on the ground and in the process. From North Texas to the border towns, they’ve been sharing their knowledge and experience with the hope that they can assist many Texans find their own success in the very near future.
ARE YOU A TEXAS FARMER CONSIDERING HEMP?
It is with great desire to help those looking to get into hemp in Texas that Hempton Farms is hosting a Free webinar for Texas farmers considering hemp. The lunch-hour, online event will go over the Top 5 Tips for Farming Hemp in Texas and will be led by Adam Traetow, Vice President of Agricultural Operations and Supply Chain for Hempton Farms.
The event will take place on Friday March 20, 2020 at 12:30pm (CST). Those who are interested in attending are encouraged to register via GoToMeeting link:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/623893453
“We are here to be a resource of experience and knowledge for Texas farmers looking to grow hemp,” said Adam Traetow, Vice President of Agricultural Operations and Supply Chain. “It has been exciting to host different events throughout the United States. Personal town halls, summits and webinars – all designed to answer questions for those interested in the hemp plant and what it can do. For those in Texas considering hemp, we want to give some important tips to help them get off on the right foot.”
“We’re here to help with gathering that all-important information,” explained Cory Henke, Vice President of Business Development. “When it comes to hemp, this is not a standard crop, both in regulation and possibility. We want farmers to feel comfortable in their choice and we know how information can seem difficult to come by. This webinar will have tips, as well as some time for Q&A, that they can access from wherever they are.”
