Now that the 2018 Farm Bill has made hemp a federally legal commodity, numerous farmers have been hearing about the lucrative profit potential from this unique crop. Researchers from the Brightfield Group have estimated that farmers could earn up to $40,000 per acre of hemp. While the higher range of this profit is usually only achieved by highly experienced farmers, this could be a great opportunity for farmers currently raising other crops only valued at $1,000 per acre. For California farmers that are interested in growing CBD seed for profit, here are 10 tips you need to know in order to maximize your biomass and profit returns.
Tips for Planting CBD Seed In California for Maximum Profit
- Be prepared: Hemp cultivation requires significant investment, effort, time, and other preparations. It’s always best to be well informed before you make any financial investments. Make sure you are fully prepared by researching all the different cultivation requirements of hemp, find advice from experienced, local hemp farmers, create a business plan that includes your budget, and be prepared to start smaller for your first year. It’s always a good idea to farm a smaller area so that you have the time and space to really learn about hemp.
- Choose a profitable end product: Hemp is very unique due to its significant versatility among applications. With up to 25,000 different applications, farmers can choose to farm hemp for numerous end products. However, for those looking for higher profits, you’ll want to research cultivating hemp for CBD production. There have been more and more studies being released regarding the potential health benefits of lesser-known cannabinoids like CBG and CBN as well. Farming hemp for CBD or other cannabinoids can offer a much higher profit return than farming industrial hemp for food, textiles, building products, etc.
- Find the right CBD seed for your goals: For California hemp farmers that are interested in producing CBD, you’ll need to find specially-bred CBD seed for this purpose. Planting specialized CBD seed allows you to produce higher quantities of CBD per acre, translating into considerably higher profits. Don’t make the mistake of investing in industrial hemp seed or unknown genetics– industrial hemp has much lower naturally-occurring CBD and cultivation needs differ from strain to strain.
- Find the right CBD hemp strain for your farm: Before you make any seed purchases, you’ll want to consider which strain is best for profits. Each strain will have different benefits and are often designed for specific growing conditions. Each strain will also have its own unique set of terpenes and flavonoids, delivering various flavors. Make sure to research all of the strains available and which ones would be best for your farm. The right CBD seed supplier will be able to provide you with all the information you need for each strain.
- Purchase feminized CBD seed: Since hemp plants can be male, female, or hermaphrodites, it’s important that you understand some basic biology about these plants. CBD is derived from the flowers of female hemp plants, meaning that you’ll want female plants for better profits. Male hemp plants are a serious concern for any farm since they produce very minimal amounts of CBD and can pollinate female plants resulting in less CBD produced in those crops as well. It’s crucial for the success of any hemp farm to keep males out. The best way to eliminate this issue is to purchase feminized CBD seed. The right CBD seed supplier will be able to guarantee high feminization rates, helping ensure more CBD content.
- Find CBD seed with high germination rates: With every seed that doesn’t germinate, you lose income. When you’re making your seed purchase, always ask the dealer regarding the germination rates. The right CBD seed supplier should have all of this information available and have a germination rate of 95% or higher.
- Diversify your farm: Diversifying your crops can help any farmer better manage the marketplace, extreme weather conditions, and the always-changing consumer market. There are ways available to diversify your hemp farm in order to balance out the potential risks. You can decide to include CBG seeds or try cultivating different strains. Experimenting with different strains can help you find the one that grows best on your farm while attracting different potential buyers.
- Brainstorm your CBD clone and seed needs: Hemp seeds typically thrive in a greenhouse setting for the first few weeks. If your farm doesn’t have a greenhouse and you don’t want to make this significant investment, clones may be a better option for you. Hemp clones are already germinated and have established roots.
- Work with an expert: If this is your first time farming hemp, it may be a good idea to work with an agronomist. An agronomist can offer comprehensive services including testing and preparing your soil, recommending the right equipment, advising you on best irrigation practices, helping you design the rows for maximum cultivation, and providing you with the localized advice on regulations, licensing, and testing. While agronomists aren’t cheap, their services can easily pay for themselves from the increased profits.
- Ask questions: The more you know, the more successful your California hemp farm will be! Find local hemp associations so that you can network with other farmers in your industry. Discuss questions and concerns with hemp farming equipment manufacturers. Speak to the top hemp seed companies and discuss their strains and recommendations. Always ask as many questions as possible to make sure that you’re ready for this opportunity.
Work with California’s Trusted CBD Seed Supplier
CBD Seed Co. is honored to be the trusted CBD seed supplier serving the state of California. Our team is always available to discuss strains, cultivation requirements, and more. For more information regarding more tips on how to increase your hemp farm profits, please contact us!