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Did you know that the industrial hemp market is expected to grow 16% in 2022? But there is much a farmer risks cultivating this product. Pairing of producers with buyers is not an easy task. In this episode Kelly Burke returns to the podcast to share the Kifcure mission: helping farmers monetize their hemp crop. Kelly is the Director of Operations at Kifcure, a total hemp solutions company. Kifcure is skilled in extraction and infusing the high quality cannabinoids into easily accessible products. Kelly tells about the 200 plus acre project that will weigh, test and transfer hemp commodities. We also discuss all the products that can be created from hemp and their own adventures in developing hemp genetics.
Trading Industrial Hemp Products
Hemp fiber can be turned into many products, not just medicinal purposes. Emerging markets include plastics, concrete, textiles, food products, oils and other fiber based products. Since hemp is not a mainstream product, it requires breaking boundaries for startups. Although hemp can be used for many products, the benefits must be crystal clear to ensure widespread adoption.
Benefits include:
- Strength – hemp fiber is extremely strong compared to cotton, 3x stronger
- Cost – hemp is economical, requires very little cost for growing, few inputs, conducive to Midwest weather
- Versatile – hemp has multiple uses, growers can sell in many markets
- Weather Resistant – hemp can withstand rain, sleet, snow, sun etc.
- Food product – hemp seeds are highly nutritious
Given the flexibility of hemp across a broad range of products, it’s a natural fit in many markets. Again the only challenge is widespread adoption. Once the market has access, it will never go back to old solutions.
KifCure Hemp Project
Kelly spoke of their new infrastructure project to support the industry. KifCure is 50 miles west of Chicago on the edge of suburbia but all farmland. KifCure grows seeds, seedlings and clones. They have experimented with multiple strains and each year keep the top performers. KifCure has partnered with the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, the University of Wisconsin Madison, and Purdue. Currently their top strain performer is Apollo. Pollination is a big issue given thunderstorms.
How To Connect with Kelly Burke
- This is the website of Kifcure.com
- Use this email to connect kelly at kifcure.com 855 543-2873
- Kelly on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-grace-rn-6b177b23/
The USA CBD Expo 2021
I first met Kelly at the USA CBD Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago, October 2021. USA CBD Expo is the leading CBD and Hemp event in the nation and South America. It’s mission is to connect the best, most innovative products and brands to their attendees. USA CBD Expo successfully brings together a rapidly expanding industry into one global, unrivaled trade show experience. They produced a great show that advertised their exhibitors’ brands, drive traffic to their booth, and get them closer to potential customers and other businesses. Sign up here for 2022 and other events around the world.
The Cannabis Advocate Podcast
The Cannabis Advocate podcast advocates for businesses in the cannabis industry and the explores the unique challenges they face. Despite hurdles in legislation, regulation, and culture, there are tremendous opportunities for growers, producers and sellers of cannabis products. Many of these issues are unique to the cannabis industry, This podcast speaks to these common concerns and shares stories of success.
To subscribe to the podcast, go here. If you have a question or comment, go here. We would love to hear from you!
