I planted my first crop at age 15.  Today, 45 years later, I am about to harvest another one. Similar to working a criminal case when I was a Johnson County Deputy Sheriff, I don’t give up easily. When I watched other states expand their commodities to include hemp, I learned that Iowa would be a perfect fit.  

The 2018 Federal Farm Bill removed hemp (defined as cannabis) from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. Legalizing hemp brings opportunities for production, processing, and economic development. Fiber, feed, building materials, and cosmetics are just a few products derived from industrial hemp.

Over seven years ago, I was honored to co-chair the bi-partisan Industrial Hemp Program Study Committee of the Iowa Legislature. We heard testimony from new and younger farmers who were ready to profit from this exciting new idea. Current industrial hemp farmers from southern states were eager to share their stories. 

Farmers from Kentucky shared the impact of hemp production on their rural communities. One hometown had an unemployment rate of 34 percent. The opening of a textile mill to process hemp fibers for clothing created new jobs at $22 per hour at the mill. Contracts were signed with companies such as Patagonia clothing and Converse shoes. 

Today, the mill has a backlog of orders. Hemp, a new commodity, had reinvigorated their local economy.

It was important to me to get Iowa’s legislation right. I wanted to make sure those producing the hemp crop were successful, and my experience as a Sheriff’s deputy for twenty years helped make sure our bill was safe in the eyes of law enforcement. 

I was part of every meeting and discussion as the new law was written. In 2019, “The Iowa Hemp Act” was passed with large bipartisan support and signed into law. I worked with Iowa State Representative Jarad Klein (R-Keota), who was essential in gathering support in the Iowa House. 

After just two planting seasons, the licensing process is getting easier and more efficient. 

For example, during the first hemp season, the farmer had to leave the field to drive to Des Moines and submit paperwork. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is now using the AgEagle Aerial Systems for the online application and reporting portal. IDALS continues to work with USDA to modify the State Hemp Plan to fit the requirements of federal rules. 

Members of U.S. Congress are working on the 2023 Farm Bill. This once-every-five-year piece of legislation impacts farming, crop insurance, conservation, commodities, and SNAP low-income food programs. Early conversations with various stakeholders believe the hemp industry is in the package. 

It is rewarding to see that this industry has the ability for much more growth and added benefit to farmers and Iowa’s economy. I am proud of the farmers in my Senate district who now call themselves hemp producers. We now need our own processing plants in Iowa to keep more of the jobs and the profits in Iowa. 

To apply for a license to produce industrial hemp or obtain additional information, go here https://iowaagriculture.gov/hemp.