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Exploring the Lone Star State’s Green Frontier of Texas Hemp Farms, by Grace Gonzales

Written by Grace Gonzales on . Posted in Agriculture. No Comments on Exploring the Lone Star State’s Green Frontier of Texas Hemp Farms, by Grace Gonzales

As the cultivation of hemp continues to grow, Texas is emerging as a frontier for innovation in the hemp industry.  With the legalization of hemp cultivation in Texas, there has been a rapid expansion of the industry which includes a surge of curiosity among consumers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts alike.

For those who are eager to take part in the journey of hemp, from seed to the final product, there are a handful of hemp farms that offer a unique opportunity to explore the world of hemp from the lens of processing to the innovative methods used in this expanding industry. Participants may have the opportunity to touch, smell, and even taste different hemp varieties, gaining a deeper understanding of the plant’s diverse properties and applications.

According to Texas Monthly Magazine, there are 1,123 licensed hemp growers in the state, but many of them have seemingly been reticent to fully commit to the crop. Only two thousand of the five thousand acres designated for hemp growing were planted in 2020, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.

At most hemp farms, visitors can stroll through fields of swaying hemp plants, learning about cultivation techniques and crop management practices for hemp. They can witness the harvesting process of curing the hemp biomass for further processing and participants can observe the extraction of CBD oil and other valuable compounds, as well as the production of hemp-derived products. They can also learn about the latest extraction methods, quality control measures, and regulatory compliance requirements. Participants learn about the agricultural and environmental benefits of hemp cultivation, including its ability to improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers. They also gain insights into the potential uses of hemp in industries that range from textiles and construction to food and fuel.

Here is a short list of hemp farms in Texas that may offer specialized tours and or hemp products for the hemp enthusiast. There may be an extensive list of hemp farms published in a later issue or you can go to the Texas Hemp Growers Association webpage for more information.

  • Pur Isolabs, Bergheim, TX- offers hemp CBD products made from plants that are grown on-site, according to their website. They are open from Monday through Friday, from 11 to 5:30 pm, and on Saturdays, from 11 to 3 and 5 pm. Call them for more information got to: https://purisolabs.com/

 

  • Bayou City Hemp Co-Houston TX- Their focus on quality begins at the farm and continues throughout the process. The company invites you to connect with them so that you can experience their commitment the product for yourself. To schedule a tour or for general information, you can go to: https://www.bayoucityhemp.com/contact

  • Alamo Hemp Tours, San Antonio, -Alamo Hemp Tours is currently improving its tour experience and will update its schedule soon. For more information go to: /alamo-hemp-tours

 

  • VJ Farms, Palestine, Texas- According to their website, the story of VJ Farms begins in 1965 when the owner’s grandparents purchased land with the G.I. allowing them to purchase 72 acres in Anderson County that would initially serve as the family getaway. For more information or to schedule a tour go to: https://www.vjfarmstexas.com/

 

 

  • CBC Texas Farms, Laredo TX- For five generations, the company has been a steward of the land, and their venture into hemp farming compliments the established ranching and deer operations and they continue the family tradition. For more information go to: https://www.cbdtexasfarms.com/

  • Power Bio Farms, Euless, TX-Power Bio Farms was founded to bring local, premium, legal, and licensed high-quality CBD to more Texans, hand-crafted small batch products from seed to shelf with the utmost care, quality, and transparency. For more information, go to: www.powerbiopharms.com

Whether you’re a seasoned hemp enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these tours may offer valuable insights and new experiences, or opportunities for to learn all about the hemp industry. As the hemp industry continues to thrive in Texas, Texas Hemp Tours can be a vital lifeline for education and advocacy including community building that helps to shape the future of hemp in the Lone Star State and beyond.

Texas Hemp Tours have risen to meet this growing demand, providing an insider’s glimpse into the fascinating world of hemp production and innovation. You now have a chance to visit hemp farms first hand to witness the awe of the processing facilities, research labs, and limited product manufacturing sites to learn about every step of the hemp supply chain which includes the planting, harvesting, extraction, and product formulation of hemp cultivation. Some of these tours inspire participants to support the growth of the hemp industry and advocate for policy changes that foster its proper development.

By showcasing sustainable farming practices, responsible business ethics, and local entrepreneurship hemp tours can provide a platform for collaboration among industry stakeholders, fostering connections between farmers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, policymakers, and consumers. By bringing communities together, these tours catalyze innovation, stimulate economic growth, and build a stronger, more resilient hemp community in Texas.

Greenhouse Goodness

Written by Grace Gonzales on . Posted in Agriculture.

Are you a plant lover looking to expand your collection yet concerned about your lack of green space? Look no further than the confines of your home.  It can be equally frustrating to expand upon your love of plants especially if you don’t have a yard.   You don’t need a green thumb as long as you have the right materials, setup, and proper care, you can turn your greenhouse dreams into an indoor paradise reality.

You should first decide where you want to put your plants and how large the setup should be. 

The location of your plants should be easily accessible, and of course, the size of your setup should be based on how much space you have and how many plants you want to grow. Most houseplants need bright, indirect light, although most will be happy with a window facing East, West, or South.  If you don’t have much natural lighting in your home, you will need to buy LED Grow Bulbs for your DYI greenhouse.

Secondly, it’s important to consider the type of material you will need.

Some examples can be wood, metal, or plastic framing depending on your goal. Select the right materials for your greenhouse to ensure proper ventilation, temperature, and humidity.  Glass or plastic is a great choice of material since it allows light to pass through quite easily.  Although if you don’t want to spend time building a greenhouse, you can store them in a vitrine or even a curio cabinet that may be ideal granted, they get light and are properly hydrated. A frame is essential to the foundation of your greenhouse. You can add ventilated plastic sheeting around the frame to trap moisture.

Next, plan your layout, including placement and any other additional features, such as shelving and/or lighting. Consider your path and ventilation system to ensure your greenhouse is easy to navigate to (if it’s large) and maintains a healthy growing environment. Adding shelving to your greenhouse may be best if you decide to grow your collection further.

Lastly, hydration is key, depending on the types of plants you have.  You should install a small humidifier and fan to help hydrate your critters in case you are not available to water your plants daily.  Greenhouses can be very hot during the day, so it’s important to have a cooling system in place to regulate the temperature. You can choose to have ventilated plastic sleeves around your shelving so you can easily lift them up to let air in.  

List of supplies you may need to get started:

Cabinet or shelving (price varies)

LED Grow lights… $35-45

Humidifier (price varies)

Small Fan $10-15

Power strip $5

Humidity meter $1

Plastic Sheets (in case you decide to use a shelf with openings)

Heavy Duty Stapler to staple the plastic sheets to the wood frame

Ultimately plants can be great pals for removing toxic agents in the air through a built-in air purification system they have. The addition of plants can also improve your health and has been known to sharpen your focus if you have an office or classroom. The level of difficulty to design your greenhouse is medium to low. An indoor greenhouse can help create a warm inviting space where your plants can thrive year-round. An indoor greenhouse is a great idea if you are out of town often or if you live in an area where it freezes during the winter months. You can easily control the environment of your DYI project and start enjoying your greenhouse vibes regardless of the weather outside. But remember that if you love your plants year-round, they will love you back with their endless potential! Happy Gardening!