Hemp Fiber
Hemp fiber refers to the durable bast fibers and inner woody hurd of the hemp stalk, which serve as the raw material for textiles, biocomposites, and paper. Known for its incredible tensile strength and low environmental footprint, industrial hemp fiber is a versatile agricultural commodity used in high-performance applications ranging from automotive parts to sustainable fashion. Building a robust fiber supply chain is a foundational element in establishing Michigan’s bio-based manufacturing economy.
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Episode 109: Building with Hemp
by Dave Crabill
/ June 23, 2022
Kim Croes started her hempcrete company, FiberFort, in Detroit, Michigan with the hopes of making a positive impact on the earth. Currently a painter, she is making her transition into […] ...
Episode 108: Regenerative Hemp Farming
by Dave Crabill
/ June 9, 2022
What if weeds simply refused to grow in your fields? Regenerative agriculture expert Robin Pott of Pot Farms L3C reveals how cultivating the soil food web—the microscopic universe of bacteria, fungi, and protozoa beneath your feet—can eliminate the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides while dramatically increasing hemp yields. Her largest 2021 plant topped 20 pounds with almost no intervention.
Canadian hemp seed company UniSeeds is bringing proven grain and fiber genetics to Michigan growers. General Manager Mark Lawty shared insights on $350 million in Alberta processing investments, dual-purpose varieties yielding 7,500 lbs/acre of straw, and why putting farmers in control of multiple market options is key to profitability. Meet Mark at the Midwest iHemp Expo, May 20-21 in Lansing, or contact UniSeeds at uniseeds.ca.
Talking about Hemp-Lime
by Dave Crabill
/ April 18, 2022
Hempcrete just cleared a major hurdle. The International Code Council has recommended approval of hempcrete for inclusion in the U.S. International Residential Code—a landmark achievement years in the making. On this episode of iHemp Hour, Jacob Waddell of the US Hemp Building Association shares the victory, while Kim Croes of Fiberfork announces she’s one of only 14 people in the U.S. trained in hempcrete spray application and will be building Michigan’s first permitted hempcrete home this July. Learn about hurd quality standards, spray application efficiency (60-75% faster than traditional methods), and how you can help advance hemp building in your state.
Hemp-Lime Construction Workshop
by Dave Crabill
/ April 13, 2022
Get hands-on with hempcrete! Join us for a FREE workshop on Saturday, April 30th at Grow Green MI in Whitmore Lake. Learn to mix and apply this revolutionary carbon-negative building material—now officially recognized in the U.S. building code. All ages welcome, and one lucky participant takes home a handcrafted hemp dog house! No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Hemp Building Materials Clear Hurdle for Inclusion in U.S. Building Codes
by Dave Crabill
/ April 7, 2022
This week in New York, the International Code Council (ICC) approved Hemp-lime (Hempcrete), Proposal_RB316-22 for the International Residential Code (IRC). This is the first step toward the ICC’s formal adoption of hempcrete as an officially recognized residential building material!
Hempcrete Panels: The Future of Sustainable Home Construction On this episode of iHemp Hour, we sat down with Matt from Homeland Hempcrete to explore how prefabricated hempcrete panels are making […] ...
Carbon credits could quadruple in price over the next decade—and hemp farmers are uniquely positioned to benefit. Panxchange experts Seth Boone and Alex Molesko join iHemp Hour to explain how carbon credits work, why hemp’s multiple sequestration pathways (soil, plant biomass, and permanent end uses like hempcrete) make it ideal for carbon projects, and how farmers can earn $15-$25+ per ton of CO2 removed. Learn the five steps to start a carbon project, what auditors look for, and why this value-added revenue stream rewards regenerative farming practices. Contact carbon@panxchange.com to get started.
Creating a Reliable Supply Chain of Carbon-Negative Hemp Materials
by Dave Crabill
/ January 13, 2022
More than 60% of North American injection molding capacity sits within 100 miles of the Great Lakes. That’s why Heartland Hemp Company—a biotech firm engineering hemp fibers for plastics—planted their flag right here in Michigan. In this iHemp Hour episode, we explore their USDA-funded carbon research, why Fortune 500 companies are paying attention, and what it means for Michigan farmers and manufacturers.
The Results of Varietal Trials
by Dave Crabill
/ January 6, 2022
University researchers from MSU and the University of Illinois share the first multi-state hemp trial results for CBD, grain, and fiber genetics. The 2021 data reveals which varieties stay compliant, which ones go hot, how different cultivars yield across locations, and why CBG may offer growers the safest path forward. Essential insights for anyone planting hemp in 2022.