NICKERSON Three years ago, the Hiatt family decided to start a new adventure by transforming a couple of acres of farmlandinto an industrial hemp field. Each yearthey learn, and each year they pivot. Sometimes a little; sometimes a lot.
Across the nation, hemp farmers like the Hiatts are either changing what they are doing or leaving the industry.
Last year, nationwide, the amount of acres was down significantly from the year before, said Sheldon Coleman, the CEO of Sunnyland Kansas in McPherson. The numbers are all over the map, and I'm going to use an average, roughly 110,000 acres were licensed in 2019 and went down to about 45,000 acres in 2020 (nationwide).
Coleman said that number has decreased to around 20,000 to 30,000 nationwide planted acres today.
So (nationally), you're down 80% in two years, Coleman said. "You have a huge oversupply that in 2019 and the price crashes. Farmers can't figure out how to sell their product."
Coleman saidthere are estimates that 50% of the crop in 2019 was not harvested and died in the field. Unless farmers had an outlet for their crops, there was not much of a market.
"People could make $25,000 an acre growing hemp and selling the biomass just selling the plant material in 2017 and 2018,he said.
In Kansas, the number of growers shrunk from around 275 in 2020 to slightly more than 80 in 2021.
The Hiatts, who run High Point Family Farms just outside of Nickerson,realized early on not only was industrial hemp hard to grow, but finding an outlet for their product was difficult as well. Last year, one of their fields had too much THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) the hallucinogenic in it, so that field was destroyed.
Currently, in Kansas, if the sampling tests too high for THC, above .3%, the entire crop must be eliminated. THC is the primary compound in cannabis that is responsible for creating a high.Each field is regulated and government tested.Industrial hemp, used for CBD - non-intoxicating cannabinoids -rope, fabric and grain, is a variety of the same species of plant as cannabis; but, this crop yields low levels of THC.
This year, a pack of army worms decided to march across both the Hiatt's field and one of their greenhouses, crippling some of their well-cared for plants.
More: The armyworm is marching across the Midwest. When will it stop killing the grass?
After tending to the crop for several months, weeding out the males growing CBD requires only female plants and destroying any insects without pesticides - the Hiatts must cut and hand harvest each plant. They then dry the buds for about 24 hours, bag them and then take the product to an extractor for processing. At this point, the Hiatts either sell the product or send it to another Kansas processor for making tinctures, capsules or gummies.
After a year, what the Hiatts realized, was there were not too many buyers of their raw product, so they decided to change their paradigm and become retailers as well, keeping the supply chain close to home.
"We planted a lot less plants this year," said Sara Hiatt. "This year, we have about 2,100 plants. Last year, we had about 5,000."
The couple and their three grown childrenopened up a CBD store, High Point Pharms on Main Street in Hutchinson last spring. Along with their private label products, grown directly on their family farm, they sell their ownhoney, as well as other hemp-based goods. But, it is difficult for people selling industrial hemp products to obtain loans so expansion will take time.
Someday, the family hopes to make the business more than a side job. But for now, they are working hard to make a go of their business, attending fairs and working the storefront. They are also trying different ways to keep their landand the plants environmentally-friendly. By having friendly bugs like ladybugs, introducing sugars and keeping living roots in the ground each day of the year, Bob Hiatt and his son Nate are changing the nutrition of the ground.
"I'm pretty disappointed in it (this year's crop)," Bob Hiatt said. "But we're still going to produce some pretty decent oil though."
Similarly, the owners of Sunnyland Kansas, a father and son team who started farming hemp in Oregon, understands the need for being a part of the supply chain. Along with growing their own industrial hemp, this company sells seeds, consults, dries and packages the product.
More: Making hemp approachable: Bringing this ancient crop from the farm to downtown
With the stroke of a pen, this past Wednesday, California changed the retail paradigm for selling industrial hemp products. California Gov. Gavin Newsom opened upretail markets for non-intoxicating cannabinoids.
In the Golden State, CBD can now be sold as a dietary supplement and can be included in cosmetics, drinks and pet foods. But in so doing, California will require strict testing and labeling guidelines.
The state also, once they figure out a tax method, has set in play the use of commercial hemp products to be used for smoking.
This opens up the market for hemp growers in Kansas and helps guide the way for Kansas legislators to look into new retail markets.
However,the FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, states CBD products cannot be sold as dietary supplements under the FD&C Act and cannot be added to food for humans or animals.
In 2018, the FDA allowed "three hemp seed derived food ingredients for use in human food: hulled hemp seed, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil, per the FDA rulings on industrial hemp.
More: Industrial hemp products in Kansas
According to Sheldon Coleman, 25 to 30,000 acres of hemp can supply most of the consumer demand for products in the U.S. This leads the way for companies to go outside U.S. borders.
"The bigger companies are starting to see exports exceed domestic sales," said Christian Coleman, president of Sunnyland.
Also, according to him,the minor cannabinoids, like CBG are coming on very strong. Some of these consumer packagedproducts are about to explode, he said.
In addition, there is the grain side, which Christian Coleman said is being looked at for hemp seed protein and animal feed.
"We just now think we're seeing where it's starting to get re-stabilized (supply and demand)," Sheldon Coleman said."There's still product being dumped from 2019 and 2020. But we're starting to see some scarcity develop again, and the people that have stuck with it, are starting to see a little more opportunity."
More: Kansas' first industrial hemp fiber processing facility opens in Great Bend
Kansas home to a new fiber plant and one of the area's largest hemp dryers
Kansas is also the home to a new fiber plant, South Bend Industrial Hemp Processing in Great Bend. This plant is one of the few in the country that can process hemp fiber directly from the field.
The Sunflower State is also the home to one of the area'slargest hemp dryers, at Sunnylands processing plant in McPherson.
In addition to good farming practices, Kansas weatherpresents a challenge. Market volatility for industrial hemp remains a significant factor in profitability.
Kansas needs to to do two things, one is step up with dietary supplements and (two) embrace smokeable (non-hallucinogenic hemp products), Sheldon Coleman said.
Neither the Hiatts nor the Colemans are giving up on their dream helping others obtain good quality, Kansas-grown CBD.
More: Demand for hemp fiber growing as producers consider untapped market
"The most exciting thing to me is to find out our product works for our customers," Sara Hiatt said. "We hear it all the time."
More here:
When it comes to hemp, Kansas farmers need to continually pivot - The Hutchinson News
- Study: Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements May Reduce Cancer Risk - Prevention Magazine - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Magnesium for Sleep: The Best Type, When to Take It and More - Good Housekeeping - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Food ingredients drive growth in beauty supplements - IngredientsNetwork.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Best Ozempic Weight Loss Alternative Supplements Money Can Buy (Top OTC Semaglutide Alternatives) - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Can Fiber Help with Ozempic, Wegovy Side Effects? - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Vitamin B12 and Magnesium: Benefits, Risks, Dosage - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Taking a Daily Fiber Supplement Might Help Boost Brain Function in Older Adults - Health.com - March 20th, 2024 [March 20th, 2024]
- Moringa: Benefits, Side Effects And Risks Forbes Health - Forbes - October 22nd, 2023 [October 22nd, 2023]
- What to Know About California's New Law Banning Food Additives ... - Smithsonian Magazine - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- How to Treat Iron Deficiency - The New York Times - October 18th, 2023 [October 18th, 2023]
- The Importance of Micronutrients for Optimal Health - Everyday Health - September 11th, 2023 [September 11th, 2023]
- How can companies stand out in the immune health category in 2023? - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Kemin's BetaVia Pure immune and gut health ingredient gains ... - Nutritional Outlook - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Steadfast Nutrition expands its portfolio with four supplements - Asia Food Journal - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Martyn Ford Reveals Food & Supplements of 10000 Calorie Diet for ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Nutrition & Longevity Experts Love This Metabolism Supplement ... - mindbodygreen - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Ric Flair Reveals Diet, Training & Supplements to Stay Jacked at 74 ... - Fitness Volt - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- ADM licenses gut-health ingredient from Gnubiotics for pet food ... - Nutritional Outlook - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Global Sorbitol Market Report 2023: Increasing Demand for Non-medical Dietary Supplements Drives Growth - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: What They Are and How To Get the Most Out of Them - Health Essentials - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Six of the Best... food, treats & supplements - Dogs Today Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 9 Anti-Inflammatory Supplements Backed By Science Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Dietary Supplements Market Size to Reach Globally with Growing ... - Digital Journal - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- These 11 Vegan Vitamins Are Made With Fruits and Vegetables - VegNews - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Hemptown's Kirkman Subsidiary Named One of the 50 Most Admired Companies to Watch in 2023 - Yahoo Finance - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- What is biotin? Foods to eat and if you should take it every day - USA TODAY - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Best vitamins to be taking as seasons change, according to health expert - Daily Record - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- KITTEN YOGA RETURNS TO EAST BANK REGIONAL LIBRARY ... - Jefferson Parish - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- 8 Best Fiber Supplements of 2023, Tested by Experts - Good Housekeeping - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA Passes the Buck (Back) to Congress for Legislative Solution on ... - JD Supra - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- The Wellness Trap: Break Free from Diet Culture, Disinformation, and Dubious Diagnoses, and Find Your True Well-Being - Next Big Idea Club Magazine - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- Fruit And Vegetable Supplements: A 2023 Guide Forbes Health - Forbes - May 18th, 2023 [May 18th, 2023]
- FDA: SARMs not worth the health risk 'for a few extra likes' - NutraIngredients-usa.com - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Are Melatonin Gummies Safe? Here's What (Kinda Scary) New Research Says - POPSUGAR - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New paper discusses the rationale for proprietary blends in ... - Nutritional Outlook - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- The Best Brain Supplements For Cognitive Health Forbes Health - Forbes - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Protein powders: Are they bad for your health? - BBC - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- New Regulation on Turkish Food Codex Nutrition Claims Has Just ... - Lexology - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Selenium: Benefits, Side Effects, and More - Verywell Health - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- FDA Warns of Use of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators ... - FDA.gov - April 29th, 2023 [April 29th, 2023]
- Probiotic supplements may do the opposite of boosting Gut Health ... - WholeFoods Magazine - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Do hangover supplements actually work? - Nutritional Outlook - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Common Sense Health: Fish oil is the superhero of supplements - The Independent - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Red yeast rice nutritional supplements health benefits, risks ... - Chicago Sun-Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- From forest to fork - All About Feed - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Could Certain Foods Help With Hot Flashes? - The New York Times - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- Consumer interest in cognitive, immune health rising - Food Business News - April 22nd, 2023 [April 22nd, 2023]
- 15 Best Vitamin Brands of 2022: A Dietitians Picks - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Dietary supplements for weight loss - Mayo Clinic - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Emergency Food Supplements | DSHS - Washington - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Guidance & Regulation (Food and Dietary Supplements) | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Food Labeling & Nutrition | FDA - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- Health & Food Supplements Information Service - HSIS - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Food Security Community Food Security Coalition - November 21st, 2022 [November 21st, 2022]
- Expert Voices: Diet and Nutrition for People With Parkinson's... - Parkinson's News Today - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The regulatory state of play of the sports and active nutrition sector - NutraIngredients.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The Digestive Health Supplements Market Is Set To Grow At A More Than 9% Rate Due To Rising Cases Of Digestive Diseases As Per The Business Research... - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- FSAI highlights incidents, recalls and fraud in its annual report - Food Safety News - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Global Cannabidiol Legalization Trend to Shape the CBD Market's Future Growth - PR Newswire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The FoodNavigator Podcast: Mood food for mental wellbeing how can the industry capitalise? - FoodNavigator.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- 6 Ways to Find Relief from Your Menopause Symptoms - Health Essentials - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- NutraCast: How amendments in the 2023 Farm Bill could shape the hemp industry - NutraIngredients-usa.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- South Korea starts year-long inspection of probiotics imported from US, Europe - NutraIngredients-Asia - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Nveda employs a variety of dietary supplements made of natural ingredients for a fit and healthy life - The Hindu - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Vitamin C Market to See Healthy Growth of USD 1,899.69 Million with Excellent Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.60% by 2029, Size, Opportunities,... - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Global Microalgae Market to Reach $1.3 Billion by 2027 - GlobeNewswire - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Dietary supplements that are safe to take, which to avoid: experts - Insider - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- 6 Best Fiber Supplements That Will Keep Your Gut Happy - CNET - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Do You Actually Need To Take A Multivitamin? The Answer May Surprise You - The Zoe Report - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Global overview for probiotics: Trends, markets, and harmonization - Regulatory Focus - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Combining Your Medication With This May Have "Life-Threatening Effects" - Best Life - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Aroma-Zone opens a new store in Paris and prepares to grow abroad - Premium beauty - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Fertility Supplements And Vitamins For Women: What You Need To Know - Forbes - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- ITA offers webinar focusing on supplements and informed decision-making (part 1) - IHF - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- Awards recognize the latest innovative pet food products - Pet Food Processing - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- On-mind and on-trend: formulating products for cognitive well-being - Nutraceutical Business Review - September 27th, 2022 [September 27th, 2022]
- The #1 Sign You're Taking "Too Many Vitamins" Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]
- Why Can't I Eat Grapefruit? Foods That Interact with Medications - Next Avenue - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]
- The Synergy of Supplements and Fitness - PR Newswire - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]
- Wellful reimagining the business of health and wellness - Food Business News - September 7th, 2022 [September 7th, 2022]