Farm406

farm406 18 of Agriculture to legally raise industrial hemp for the first time since the federal law prohibiting it went into effect in 1937 or since the temporary relaxing of the law when hemp was needed during World War II. The 2014 Farm Bill allowed for experimental raising of hemp through the states' departments of agriculture. Because industrial hemp is related to the unlawfully grown marijuana plant, farmers had to be registered and fingerprinted, and it was predetermined where they would buy their seed, how many acres each farmer would grow, and where they would sell their crop. The Johnsons were among 14 farmers who planted 550 acres of industrial hemp in 2017. The three Johnsons planted 50 acres each. In 2018, they were among 58 farmers and were allowed to plant 325 acres. Altogether in 2018, 22,000 acres of hemp were grown in Montana. Of that, 80 percent was planted on dryland farms. The 2018 Farm Bill further relaxed requirements for raising hemp providing an expansive environment for a market to grow. During those two growing seasons, Colby Johnson learned the major specifics of raising industrial hemp on irrigated land. It can be planted late—early June. There's time to turn under any early weeds, and hemp can be planted late after other crops. Hemp needs the right amount of moisture to germinate and pop through the ground, but if the ground is too wet, the seed will rot because the seed is a weak starter. It can withstand dry heat later in the growing season and has generally low-water requirements. Hemp can grow from six to ten feet tall and is not standard in height throughout a field. The plants provide a canopy which discourages additional weeds. Another positive about raising industrial hemp is that no unique farm equipment is needed to plant, fertilize, or harvest hemp. Hemp may be less degrading than other agricultural crops. The last two years, the Johnsons found no need to spray with herbicides or pesticides. Since the crop is cut when its CBD rating is at its highest and when it is still full of moisture, the flowers can easily rot, starting within the first twelve hours. To bring the moisture content down to below 10 percent, the Johnsons use fans and dryers from the time the crop is augered into bins. After the flower has been cut, the Johnsons go back and bale up the hemp stocks to use for animal bedding since Montana still needs a market for the hurd. Johnson has scrutinized the various reports on hemp. "I have read the figures showing the estimated gross and net values per acre for hemp, and I am cautious. Determining value especially under regulated conditions that require crop licensing, monitoring, and verification is tough. If I had to make a determination, I would say that the net value of hemp right out of the field is about the same as most pulse commodities," said Johnson. "I recommend not banking on hemp to save the family farm. Use it as a tool, especially when prices for other commodities are low." Montana farmers have found that industrial hemp grows well in Montana's climate with a short season and low precipitation. In conjunction with Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Farmers Union held informative workshops on hemp throughout the state. Because the Montana Department of Agriculture did its homework and was prepared for farmers to grow industrial hemp when the federal farm bills allowed, Montana is presently number one among the states for growing industrial hemp. Although hemp can be grown across the United States, Montana's climate is especially conducive for growing the crop. At twenty-nine, Colby Johnson is likely the youngest progressive farmer FARM406 has featured. If he can't be found at the farm, he might be in Conrad where the Big Sky Hemp extraction plant is being located. The Johnsons and one other area farmer have built the plant in their hometown because they are very aware that small Montana towns can face extinction. A thriving business, such as the hemp extraction plant, will bring more jobs and activity to the community.

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