JUDGE’S COMMENTS
Hemp may become a big cash crop in Milam County.
Hemp was legalized by the Texas Legislature in the 2019 session and the governor recently signed the bill into law.
Thus, effective Jan. 1, 2020, hemp can legally be grown in Texas, with economic potential.
As of Jan. 1, 2020, one can purchase a license to grow hemp from the Texas Department of Public Safety for $100.
Thereafter the person can grow hemp.
Hemp is a plant that should grow well in Milam County as it seems to like hot/warm and somewhat dry weather.
It matures in less than 90 days and thus it could be a spring and fall crop.
The mature plant produces seeds, CBD oil and fiber, which can be sold.
The CBD oil has become very popular and it is fairly expensive. It is used for a host of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of arthritis.
The fiber is used for a host of products including clothing and even to strengthen concrete products.
Estimates of the net income to the grower vary, but some estimates are intriguing.
In fact, a company representative recently made a presentation to a group of interested citizens in Rockdale advocating that hemp production could in fact net a Milam County grower about $21,000 per acre.
That company is actively pursuing office space in the County and hopes to build a processing plant for hemp in Milam County.
Of course, there are drawbacks.
First, seed is scarce and expensive.
We understand that Texas A&M is working on this issue and may have the right kind of seed before the planting season begins next spring.
Second, before harvest the state has to check the CBD content of the hemp to make sure the levels are within an acceptable range.
If they are not, the crop cannot be used for CBD.
Third, there is no processing plant for hemp in the state as the plant has not been legal here for many years.
Thus, the plant would have to be shipped out of state for processing.
There is a lot more to all of this, so we hope you will listen to the county judge’s radio show at 9:05 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, on both Milam stations.
Our special guest is Floyd Ingram who is the Agri-Life agent for Milam County.
Floyd is very knowledgeable about industrial hemp and he will be able to answer most of your questions.
He has a lot of knowledge about growing what could become another major cash crop for our county.
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