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SiG MT 34 At a workshop on industrial hemp, Colby Johnson, farmer from Conrad, talks about growing hemp; and Kirby Hancock, an architect at Constructive Solutions in Bozeman, discusses the many uses of hemp. e possible uses for hemp are almost unlimited. It is estimated that hemp will soon be used in as many as 25,000 different products. Hemp can be grown as a fiber, seed, or dual-purpose crop. e fiber is used in animal bedding, textiles and industrial products. Hurd found within the hemp plant stock is used for such items as building materials, canvas, rope/twine, carpeting, paper, and flour. e seeds are found in food and animal seed cake. e processed oil, which is called CBD that stands for cannabidiol, has many uses, such as in various kinds of cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, industrial oil applications, foodstuffs, and health products. Even before the long-term research has been completed, the interest in treating illnesses with CBD oil is high. With more research, it will be known if CBD can fulfill its widespread claims. Overall the market for hemp is estimated to grow as much as 60 percent in the coming years. Presently, hemp products are in their infancy, and it will take time to develop a widespread market. Two years ago, the men of the Johnson family, made up of Paul— Colby's father, Ross—Colby's brother, and Colby—made application to the Montana Department 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. e 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. e Johnsons were among 14 farmers who planted 550 acres of industrial hemp in 2017. e three Johnsons planted 50 acres each. In 2018, they were among 58 farmers In conjunction with Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Farmers Union held informative workshops on hemp throughout the state. 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. e 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. ere's time to turn under any early weeds, and hemp can be planted late aer 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. e 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. e 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. Aer 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

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