Missouri couple makes Cole County history with first hemp crop

Antonio and Heather DeRose, Founders of Kind Living Farm, harvested their first successful hemp crop in Cole County, Missouri. This is the first year hemp has been produced in Cole County since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018.

The married couple, who both grew up in Cole County, are proud to be part of such a new industry with the possibilities to help the health of people, animals, and the planet. 

Although the 2021 growing season had its challenges, the DeRose’s completed all requirements set by the Missouri Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Program, which included an inspection by the department, and have recently completed their 2021 hemp harvest. They believe their techniques utilizing regenerative farming methods helped them produce a successful crop this year. 

“Our goal is to farm in a way to benefit the soil, crop, environment, and economics. We grow outdoors in the soil, are no-till, use cover crops and companion plants, compost and we use integrated pest management. Hemp can grow without the use of toxic pesticides. It can sequester more carbon and grows faster than trees. Its fibers can be used for almost anything and are stronger than steel. It can be used as a medicine and can help heal the Earth.” states Heather. “I personally use it for medicine. I have epilepsy and have been seizure free for almost 5 years with the help of this plant. We strive to share what we’ve learned with others and see Missouri’s hemp program thrive.”

Kind Living Farm is a regenerative farm in Missouri, specializing in producing top-quality, small farm crafted hemp. They are leaders in hemp production in Cole County Missouri and are part of few hemp farmers in the state growing using regenerative farming techniques. Kind Living Farm is dedicated to making the highest quality products and making the world a better place along the journey.