What do you do?

We process dried industrial hemp stalks by separating them into hurd, the inner wood like core and the bast fiber that runs along the outside of the plant. The hurd and fiber are then sold to be further processed or used as is for other products like hempcrete, insulation, fabric and animal bedding.

Are you growing CBD or Cannabis?

No

Can you get high from industrial hemp?

No

Will there be a smell from your processing?

Because it is grown for the stalks and not the flower, industrial hemp has little smell and as we process material dried in the field the material we receive will be almost odorless. We are taking measures to ensure that our facility works with the great St. Johnsbury community.

How is fiber hemp different from CBD/THC hemp? How do cultivation practices differ?

Hemp for the purpose of fiber is dramatically different from CBD hemp and THC cannabis. Industrial hemp is grown in dense fields like wheat, drastically different from how the high maintenance individually spaced CBD or THC plants are grown and cultivated. Fiber hemp is planted densely without the need for individual planting or the laying of plastic and drip line. Density and height of the crop is much like what you would see with wheat with the highest anywhere from 12 – 16 feet for fiber varieties. Fiber hemp requires less tending or management and due to the height, chokes out any weeds requiring no herbicides.  Due to its natural make up it is also pest and bug resistant. 

Harvest of the plant is similar to that of hay and the same equipment can be used. When the crop is ready to harvest, typically in 90 days of planting.

Can I use this as a rotation crop?

Yes, industrial hemp works as an excellent rotation crop that can provide a higher financial return.

What is the range in expected yield per acre? How comparable was the ground on which this yield was achieved?

The average crop size ranges from 4-6 tons per acre.

How much hemp could a typical farm expect to supply you with?

Our expectations are fluid as our goal is to capture as much acreage as is possible. This will allow farmers with less land to also be involved.

What equipment is required for cutting, baling, etc. this product? Will the hemp be tougher on this equipment than regular hay?

Required equipment is as follows:

• Tractor with PTO hookup
• Seed drill
• Straight sickle or a disk mower without the conditioner
• Hay/ rotary rake
• Round baler

If I am a farmer how do I find out more?

We can be reached at our business email:
Ziongrowers@gmail.com