Cameron McIntosh explains why the Amish community distrusts hemp after losing money in the CBD crash.
The episode opens with host Eric Hurlock introducing his trip to Horse Progress Days, a two-day event in Gordonville, Lancaster County, focused on horsepower and farming. He interviews Cameron McIntosh at the Hemp House on Wheels, who explains that the Amish community distrusts hemp due to financial losses from the CBD market crash in 2020-2021. Cameron emphasizes the need to promote fiber industrial hemp, which has more promise than CBD. He describes the Hemp House on Wheels as a mobile proof-of-concept for hempcrete, built by Drew, Ana, and himself, and its travels to events like the Cannabis World Congress in New York. Heidi Kuster from Tuscarora Mills discusses her company's weaving with natural fibers and efforts to source hemp locally from Pennsylvania farmers. Jarrett Burke of Kift Cure talks about educating attendees on hemp products like hempcrete blocks and straws, noting interest from builders. Kelly Burke shares her experience at the event, highlighting cultural insights into Amish farming practices and questions about hemp uses. Ruben Reel explains his role in bringing hemp to Horse Progress Days to resonate with the plain communities. The second half features Sam Connor at Free Flow Farm near Pottstown, who grows 24 acres of fiber hemp varieties Yuma and Futura 83 for iHemp Catalyst. He details his farming background, transition to organic practices, and plans for cover crops. Sam mentions industrial applications like biodegradable plastics, hempcrete, and encasing EV batteries for fire safety, though there's a brief fact-check on hemp's fire resistance. He also discusses earning carbon credits through Hemp Carbon Standard, sequestering 102 tons last year, with payments tied to market prices. The episode concludes with reminders about the Lancaster County Hemp Circuit tour.
