Building a Hemp Hub in Northern Illinois with Kifcure

Building a Hemp Hub in Northern Illinois with Kifcure

Author: Eric Hurlock, Digital Editor June 26, 2024 Duration: 1:54:03

This week on the Hemp Podcast, Lancaster Farming talks with Kelly Burke from Kifcure, an Illinois-based hemp company that is focused on developing the hemp industry in the Land of Lincoln.

Burke, along with her husband Jarett, have launched the Northern Illinois Hemp Hub, which recently hosted a hempcrete workshop in Maple Park, sixty miles west of Chicago.

They are also growing about 1000 aces of industrial hemp and are developing plans for a processing facility, industrial park, and education center.

On this episode, we will hear all about their endeavors, including Silver Acres, a hemp wedding venue and event space, and Silver Lining animal bedding.

Plus, we check in with Lancaster County Hemp farmer Steve Groff to hear how his hemp crop is holding up after two weeks of scorching heat and no rain.

All that, plus news nuggets and a few surprises.

Learn More:

Kifcure

https://kifcure.com/

Northern Illinois Hemp Hub

https://nihh.org/

News Nuggets

Think tank says 'Miller Amendment' would not ban CBD and other hemp cannabinoids

https://hemptoday.net/think-tank-says-miller-amendment-would-not-ban-cbd-and-other-hemp-cannabinoids/

'Hemp Killing' Amendment Would Not Ban All Hemp Cannabinoids, Says Leading Think Tank

https://businessofcannabis.com/hemp-killing-amendment-would-not-ban-all-hemp-cannabinoids-says-leading-think-tank/

New Congressional report finds hemp amendment consistent with Ag policy

https://www.greenmarketreport.com/new-congressional-report-finds-hemp-amendment-consistent-with-ag-policy/

Industrial Hemp Market Set to Surge to $25.7 Billion by 2034

https://mgmagazine.com/cannabis-news/industrial-hemp-market-set-to-surge-to-25-7-billion-by-2034/

Canadian hemp fields shrink for fourth straight year, reaching modern-day low

https://hemptoday.net/canadian-hemp-fields-shrink-for-fourth-straight-year-reaching-modern-day-low/

South Dakota No. 1 state in nation for hemp production

https://www.sdnewswatch.org/south-dakota-hemp-production-sdiha-farm-bill/

Midwest flooding devastation comes into focus as flood warnings are extended in other areas

https://apnews.com/article/midwest-flooding-south-dakota-4b9fbfe8918e7a7e3c18178cb92b11a8

Thanks to our Sponsors!

IND HEMP

https://indhemp.com/

Forever Green

https://www.forevergreen.com/

Mpactful Ventures

https://www.mpactfulventures.org/

music by TIN BIRD SHADOW

www.tinbirdshadow.com


There’s a quiet revolution happening in fields and factories, and it’s centered on a single, versatile plant. Industrial Hemp Podcast, guided by Eric Hurlock, the Digital Editor at Lancaster Farming, moves beyond the headlines to explore what’s actually happening on the ground. This isn’t just theoretical discussion; it’s a direct line to the people driving the industry forward. Each episode features conversations with the farmers who are planting and harvesting these crops, facing very real agronomic challenges and opportunities. You’ll also hear from researchers, processors, and policy experts who are shaping the future of hemp for fiber, grain, and other industrial applications. The dialogue digs into the practicalities-from planting techniques and harvesting equipment to market trends, regulatory hurdles, and technological innovations that are changing the game. It’s a clear-eyed look at an agricultural sector finding its footing, reported by journalists with deep roots in farming communities. For anyone curious about the business, science, and sheer hard work behind industrial hemp, this podcast serves as an essential, grounded resource. Tune in for honest talk that cuts through the hype and gets to the root of this growing field.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Industrial Hemp Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Bast Fiber Tech and the Rise of Hemp in Nonwoven Hygiene [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:50
This week on the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast, we're talking about wipes. And diapers. And makeup pads. And all the other throwaway hygiene products we barely think about — but use every day. Most of these s…
Inside The NIHC Global Hemp Fiber Summit With Guy Carpenter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:59
The hemp event of the summer is taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina, July 15-17. It's the Global Industrial Hemp Fiber Summit, hosted by the Wilson College of Textiles, in conjunction with the National Industrial Hem…
The Hemp Show in Three Acts: A Café, a Workshop and a Reckoning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:12
This week's episode of the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast unfolds in three acts, each exploring a different facet of the growing hemp industry — from a café built on hemp-based food, to a hands-on construction…
Untangling The Language: What We Mean When We Say Hemp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
This week on the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast, host Eric Hurlock wrestles with a question at the heart of the industry: What is hemp? The term has become increasingly diluted and controversial — especially i…
Special Edition: Musical Teaser in Exchange for Your Patience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:46
This week's episode is a little different—just a quick teaser while we finish up next week's show, which dives into the meaning of the word "hemp" and who gets to claim it. Host Eric Hurlock has been on a journey talking…
Unlocking the USDA Hemp Report - A Tale of Two Industries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:13
This week on the Hemp Podcast we're looking at the 2025 Hemp Report from the USDA. The annual report attempts to provide a snapshot of the hemp industry, which, according to the report, is valued at $445 million — up 40%…
Non-Wovens and the Goodness of Hemp with Hempitecture's Mattie Mead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:01
They say hemp has 25,000 uses — but today, we're focusing on just one: nonwovens. In this episode, Eric and Sophia dive into a hidden-yet-ubiquitous part of our daily lives with guest Mattie Mead from Hempitecture. From…