On this week’s podcast, we talk to Andy Bennett, founder of Hart Hemp Co., the first commercial-scale industrial hemp producer in the Old Line State.
“We're starting as a grassroots organization, putting some industrial hemp in the ground here in the state of Maryland,” Bennett said. “On a commercial scale, it's never been done.”
He said the company is growing several different varieties and experimenting with seeding rates across a handful of Maryland farms “to understand how this plant reacts in this area, so that as we continue to grow and ask people to grow for us, we're providing the best data that we can,” he said.
Lancaster Farming caught up with Bennett at one of Hart Hemp Co.’s growing locations for hemp harvest field day Sept. 7 near Frederick.
During his opening remarks to attendees, he said, “Nobody here was around the last time this commodity crop was farmed in this country. So take some pride this morning in knowing that you took the time out of your busy lives to be part of something groundbreaking and positive.”
Lancaster Farming also spoke with Burt James, North Carolina farmer and crop consultant who works with Konopi US and FyberX.
James said he sees a lot of positive movement across the county as the fiber and grain industry stands itself up.
“And this is the type of example where you have a bona fide businessman and ag industry specialist in Andy Bennett,” James said. “He's got a robust network of farmers, an organized group, and he's just got the passion and the energy to make something happen, and this beautiful hemp crop and field day is part of that.”
Also on the podcast this week, we discuss the recent manhunt for convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante, which came to its dramatic conclusion this week just a half a mile from the home of the hemp podcast host, Eric Hurlock.
Hurlock interviews his neighbors Tom and Crystal to hear how they were faring during the surreal experience of having a murderer on the loose in the neighborhood and search helicopters constantly overhead.
Learn More about Hart Hemp Co.
Learn more about Konopius US
Learn more about FyberX
Read Lancaster Farming’s coverage of the Chester County manhunt as it unfolded
Thanks to our sponsors
IND Hemp
Mpactful Ventures
https://www.mpactfulventures.org/
Music courtesy of Tin Bird Shadow
https://tinbirdshadow.bandcamp.com/album/dot-dot-dot