Ever since the US government reintroduced hemp cultivation in the United States, there has been a significant paradigm shift. We are seeing more acreage go into hemp farming. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website, the number of acres under hemp went from zero in 2013 to more than 90000 in 2018.
You may associate the rapid growth rate to how the hemp industry has been received especially after cannabinoid (CBD) discovery and all the CBD benefits. Also, there is a surge in hemp fiber demand all at once. The 2018 farm bill and state program has seen hemp farms spike even higher. There are a plethora of factors adding up to the growth, that is certain.
Hemp requires little space to thrive
Did you know that your hemp grow room can be as small as 2’ x 2’ x 4’? Well if you have a larger space you can go big with a greenhouse. However, even in an open space, hemp requires little space. What this means is that you can stack as many crops in a tight space more than most crops. Hemp being a weed, creates an element of lesser inter plant competition for resources. We are talking about nutrients, light, and space.
Hemp produces more pulp than trees
How many months do hemp crops take before they are ready to be harvested for pulp? You are right if you give anything around 60 - 90 days. Now, what about trees? Remember that trees have been the major source of paper for so long thanks to the wrongful criminalization of hemp in the 20th century.
With advanced research and development into fast growing trees for commercial purposes, it is hard to match what hemp produces per acre over the same period.
Hemp required little tending
The reason amateur growers will still get it right with hemp farms is the little tending that is needed. The crop is hardy, it can absorb the rookie mistakes that are inevitable for budding farmers. Most fields will not need complex systems or technology to get the required yield. A good example is hemp growing 100% organic without pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers.
Lesser budget for agrochemicals
Now that you will not be needing agrochemicals for your hemp farm, it all translates to spending a lesser budget every other season. Simply put, hemp saves you money from the first day you decide to till your land.
Environment friendly
Who does not want an environment friendly crop? Humanity is going hard on our planet and hemp seems to be the answer. It grows fast, which cuts tree felling.
