There are many reasons people cite when asked why anyone would want to become a hemp farmer, but the most common response is that it is a lucrative business. With more than $20 billion sourced from the plants last year, the industry is slated to continue to grow for the foreseeable future. It is surprising to note that hemp is one of the oldest crops cultivated by humankind, it has been used for centuries for many different uses, but in recent times marijuana and hemp products are being manufactured for medicinal purposes. In this case, if you’re wanting to grow hemp for medical reasons, then it’s always a wise choice to talk to your doctor before you start to consume any alternative medications. As for the cultivation of the plant, methods for raising the plant yields have changed little over the past centuries, there are now many new ways you can utilize to improve your results.
1. Know the Laws
There are both state and federal laws that regulate farmers that grow hemp and the type of plant available for cultivation. Make sure your state has a regulatory program under submission to the USDA, or you will be required to apply for hemp farming under a federal program. Federal regulations require that hemp plants contain no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This restriction separates marijuana from hemp and is strictly tested for and the limits enforced. Farmers have seen their fields burned because plants have more than the permitted limit of THC.
2. Begin Small
Growers can plant around 1,500 plants in an acre of land, and that can yield about $30,000 in profits. However, for a first-time farmer, the overhead investment for growing hemp on a larger farm can be staggering. If you want to become a farmer, secure the licenses and permits from the Department of Agriculture in your state and plant a little patch. Starting small can allow you to decide if you enjoy farming without losing a significant investment.
3. Purchase Insurance
All successful farmers find liability insurance to cover possible problems with their crops, workers, and equipment. Policies can cover general liability, crop harvests, workers’ compensation, and product liability. The insurance industry coverage for hemp and related products is relatively new, so make sure you discuss what coverage is available in your state.
4. Process the Soil
Texture, nutrients, and the pH of the soil are all critical to the health of your plants. Rich loam soil is best for promoting growth and limiting disease. Creating a soil that drains well and allows nutrients can keep the seedlings from becoming fragile or succumbing to insect damage. Adding compost and organic matter can loosen clay soil and help build sandy soil. However, beware of adding too much organic material and creating an acidic planting bed. The ideal pH level is around 7.0, but the plants can thrive between 6.0-7.5.
5. Understand the Water
Research shows that hemp plants need about 25 inches of water from seed to harvest. If your area has less rainfall than that, you will need to irrigate the growth areas. For the first six weeks, ample water supplies are required. Then smaller amounts of water are necessary until the first flowering on the plants begins, and more water is required again during the late flowering for seeds. Once the plants have reached about 25 inches in height, the hemp needs less water from then until harvest.
6. Find Seeds
You have two options when it comes to planting your field. You can use seeds or clones. The second flowering of your plants can produce seeds, and those seeds are much more reliable than trying to purchase packets from a store. You can also use clones that are cuttings from the original plants after your first harvest. Once the sections are placed in water and rooted over a period of 2 weeks, they are identical clones of the original plants.
7. Resisting Disease
As with all farm crops, diseases and insects thrive in areas repeatedly planted with the same harvests over many years. Enemies of hemp include grasshoppers, cutworms, aphids, and beetles. Although you can spray with organic preventatives, there is another way to keep the seedlings safe by using companion plants. The best pest deterrent plants are peppermint, garlic, sage, basil, and chrysanthemums. Each of these companion plants have a specific protection for roots or stalks.
Becoming a hemp farmer can be a once-in-a-lifetime roller coaster adventure, but you can succeed. For those people that are willing to work through the possible problems related to growing the plants, the money can be worth all the effort. Understanding what difficulties you may face as a farmer can be the difference between success and failure.
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