Sean Hackmann and Scott Mertz of Grandpas Family Farms LLC (GFF) at Chamois first considered the idea of growing medicinal cannabis in 2017, but soon moved away from that option as it was too expensive and cumbersome.
“We were leaning that way but it was just too involved,” said Mertz. “On top of being very costly, there are a lot of regulations involved, and we thought it would be better to do something that would help the entire community.”
So, they focused on hemp and attended the Missouri Organic Conference in January 2018 in Kansas City, where they learned a tremendous amount about what is required to make such an operation successful. The first planting took place earlier this year, with a later season than other crops, between May and July.
“We’re an agricultural community and hemp fits in with standard farming practices,” said Hackmann, noting the decision came down to working with the Missouri Department of Agriculture or Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). “The Department of Agriculture does an excellent job running this program.”
Initially, hemp production was approved under the 2014 Farm Bill, with the 2018 Farm Bill providing additional regulations.
The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Program regulates the production and sales of viable industrial hemp in accordance with federal and state law. The program reviews applications for persons interested in producing, selling, distributing, or offering for sale viable industrial hemp in Missouri in cooperation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, USDA, and other state and federal agencies to administer the Missouri Industrial Hemp Law.
GFF currently operates on 13 acres in the Missouri River Bottoms, with roughly 1,000 plants per acre. When harvested, that translates to upwards of two or three pounds per plant for the larger specimens.
Hackmann said the first plants were grown in a greenhouse and then transplanted to the earth.
“We were fortunate to be able to start our plants in greenhouses and we are in the process of completing greenhouse construction for the 2021 planting season,” he added.
Viable industrial hemp is plant material capable of living or growing, including agricultural hemp seeds and propagules (transplants, cuttings, or clones).
“There are a lot of uses for hemp,” said Kody Hackmann, who helps his father, Sean, with the operation.
The fiber from the stalk is used for paper products, molded plastics, textiles, construction materials, rope, clothing, etc.
“The stalks are usually not big enough to mess with,” Kody said. “Some stalks are genetically engineered to lengthen the distance between offshoots, which makes them more viable.”
Hemp has a relatively large biomass index, with a lot of different applications for the various parts of the plant. For example, seed products can be used for food products for human consumption, culinary oil, body care products, fuel, etc., and floral/foliar products (CBD extracts).
“The smokable flower is used for CDB oil extracts and lotions, and we’re trying to find a niche,” said Mertz. “People like lotions and everything we get from hemp is beneficial.”
CDB oil is used for pain relief, for example, and part of the plant is harvested for smoking, though there is very little THC.
“It’s more for stress relief,” said Misty Slusser. “Hemp has a very calming effect, which is why it’s so popular.”
She is researching options to eventually offer hemp materials in a retail setting with GFF.
One of the regulations is that industrial hemp must not contain more than.3% THC while growing and Sean Hackmann explained that this is something he and his partners take very seriously.
“We have to send samples of every strain off for testing, and if any of our batches come back higher than that level, they can be retested, but if it’s still too high, we have to destroy it,” he said. “We haven’t had any issues, and the THC is almost non-existent in this hemp.”
Continuing education comes from various sources, including the Missouri Hemp Trade Association, and Sean Hackmann serves on the board of directors.
“It’s been a great experience and I still have a lot to learn,” he said.
Overseeing the operation from an organic standpoint is Nate Fausset, GFF’s head grower, who first took an interest in cannabis in 1999.
“I found the plant interesting,” said Fausset, who at the time was studying cellular genetic biology. “I loved it and I wanted to know more, so I went to study genetics in Colorado.”
Fausset said the atmosphere in the Rocky Mountain State was inviting while here in Missouri, there was a stigma attached to cannabis. “I learned a lot while I was there, and then I came back to Kansas City,” said Fausset.
He held different jobs, including property management, but he never lost his interest in the plant.
Fausset’s brother, Garrett, met the guys from GFF and one thing led to another, with Nate and his family, Kalah, Isabelle, and Ezekiel, joining the operation this year.
In explaining how hemp is cultivated and the effects, Fausset said the fact there is so little THC in the plant means it is not the same as medicinal or recreational strains of cannabis.
“Some people see the plants and think they can turn a profit by selling it on the street but that’s not going to end well,” he said.
Theft is always a concern, but Sean said those who steal hemp are not just hurting GFF. “They’re taking from the whole community,” he said. “Everything plays a part in making a community work and succeed.”
Sean added he is very grateful that Sheriff Mike Bonham has worked to ensure the security of the operation.
“It’s reassuring to know we have deputies watching out for us,” he said. “We also have security cameras in place watching everything 24-7.”
Each plant is registered with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, which means each strain can be tracked and identified as having come from GFF, should the need arise.
Bonham noted that the idea of a hemp operation was new to him. “The guys have really helped us with education on what hemp is and what it’s used for,” said Bonham. “We are happy to partner with the public sector to ensure their operation is secure, just like any other business venture. We want to protect all business owners in the county, and the community has been great. We have long encouraged everyone to say something if they see something, and that’s been helpful.”
A big part of the reason the community is invested in protecting the operation is that the operation provides for the community.
“A lot of younger people come out and ask if we need help,” Kody noted. “We have a lot to do so that helps.”
Chamois R-1 seniors have worked on the farm, with GFF donating funds to support the senior trip based on the number of hours worked.
“We have several younger people who want to help,” Sean said. This gives them something to do, they have fun, and it puts a little money in their pocket.”
Slusser added that it’s an enjoyable experience. “Everyone is connected,” she said. “We’re a tight-knit community, and the kids have learned a lot.”
Primary employees include Caitlyn Slusser, Elijah Cole, Shane Buscher, Sierra Malady, Christian Strope, Aaron Kirsch, and Alecia Naab, while several others help on an as-needed basis.
Grandpas Family Farms’ name was inspired by the parents and grandparents of everyone involved and multiple generations are working on the farm at this time.
“We want to thank all of them, along with local businesses, for their support in making GFF successful,” said Sean Hackmann.
For more information, visit Grandpas Family Farms on Facebook.