Neighbors “Thinking”
August 24, 2020
Why feature hemp in this newsletter you may ask? For a host of reasons. Hemp is a great soil builder, besides its other useful benefits. We also admire Lake Country Growers and their unapologetic attitude towards chasing their dreams. Trailblazers like this are building the soil and the community. That’s awesome. We applaud them and anyone else making those neighbors in their area, “think.”
Rebecca Ramage, one of the visionaries and co-founders of Lake Country Growers, talks about the issue of what your neighbors are thinking when you are embarking upon something cool.
“I guess I would just say don’t give a damn what your neighbors think,” Ramage, an Iowa farm girl said about how it felt to start growing hemp.
“I mean, if you’re going to be the talk of the town, you might as well be the talk of the town because you are different or unique,” she added matter-of-factly.
“Our field of hemp was visible from the highway. People would be watching us grow the hemp. My business partner’s husband Ben was out in the hemp field one day and a neighbor stopped by and gave them, ‘the look,’” she explained.
So, Ben explained that we were licensed with the state to grow hemp, “I guess that was the ‘permission’ the guy needed. Ben said it was like the movie Footloose. All this ‘dancing going on.’ The neighbor who stopped was giving off that vibe like, ‘What are you kids up to?’”
Here’s the deal, Ramage said about making awesome regenerative changes on the farm, “People are going to be checking out what you are doing. So do your research and be confident. We knew people were going to ask: Are you licensed? Are you doing testing?”
That’s okay too, she said.
“People may be curious and worried you are doing something, ‘illegal.’ I think the hardest thing with growing hemp is because it’s such a new industry, there is not a lot of innovation. You have to be resourceful. It’s not like you are going to plant it with your GPS tractor,” Ramage said, noting they took more of a horticulture approach.
“It was kind of like what you do with vegetables. We used plastic mats (to control weeds), hand weeded (what the mats did not suppress) and walked the rows like when I was a kid and walked soybeans,” she added. “We didn’t use any chemicals or pesticides of any kind. It has been very labor intensive. That was a big eye-opener for us. I grew up on a farm and am the only one (of the partners) who grew up that way. So, it was really an eye-opener for the others.”
You need to follow these hemp dreams at: www.facebook.com/lakecountrygrowers
The following is also a press release from Lake Country Growers sent out during the formation and first adventures on their hemp farm in 2019. It outlines a lot of the journey and we are reprinting here:
ONE FARM + TWO FAMILIES = “FARMILY”
Rebecca, an Iowa native now residing in Oconomowoc (Lake Country), comes from a long lineage of 11 generations of farming. Growing up on a pig farm and having a brother in the hemp farming industry, she knew exactly the level of work that would be required to pull off the scope of their hemp farm. With her husband John Ramage, also an eager 20 year entrepreneur in the healthcare industry, and their two children Addison and McAllister standing strong behind her, she knew she could pave the way for an incredible learning experience for her family and friends.
“Beyond producing a top quality and reliable CBD product, this project has been the conduit for our kids to see firsthand how to set a big vision, goals, and work really hard. In a time where kids are accustomed to instant gratification, this was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate how long it can take to get rewarded for hard work,” she said.
Maureen “Moe” Lawrenz, a 17-year resident of Milwaukee’s Eastside neighborhood, Brewershill, didn’t have the tiniest shred of experience with farming. Maureen’s lack of farming experience didn’t steer her away from the adventure because her husband, Benj Lawrenz, aspired to farming since they were married 20 years ago. With Benj’s “jack of all trades” spirit, and the work ethic of their four children, Atticus, Jude, Jasper, and Eve she knew they would find a way to get the job done with Rebecca leading the way with her big vision.
“This project is proof that teamwork is critical for success. To pull off a project of this scope you need talented, hardworking people in a variety of different areas. In today’s age, many people are hard on themselves because they compare themselves to others. When we can look at our neighbor and say, ‘Wow, you’re great at that’ and ‘I’m great at this.’ how can we work together to accomplish something great.’ that’s when incredible things can be accomplished,” Lawrenz said.
You may have heard the rising interest and demand in CBD products derived from Hemp. In fact, if you pay close attention, you’ll notice CBD shops popping up on main streets all over the United States, including Milwaukee and surrounding communities. What’s all the buzz and excitement about, and why is this happening now?
According to a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, CBD proves to have anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic properties, positioning it as an agent for relieving many ailments, one of which is chronic pain. On December 12, 2018, Congress passed the 2018 Farm Bill. The passing of this Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substance Act, which has paved the way for the legal cultivation, possession, sale, and distribution of the hemp plant. (Reference:)
These two facts were a call to action for the co-founders of Lake Country Growers, Rebecca Ramage and Maureen “Moe” Lawrenz. No strangers to adventurous entrepreneurship, in January 2019 the two women put their heads together and embarked on their wildest adventure to date. Their mission was to create a reliable and trustworthy source of hemp derived CBD oil to the new CBD market in Wisconsin. The avenue to do that was to start their own CBD farm, so that’s exactly what they did. The Ramage and Lawrenz families strategized their business plan around the unique skill set of their families.
LAKE COUNTRY GROWERS
In February of 2019, Lake Country Growers became licensed hemp farmers through the State of Wisconsin’s Hemp Pilot Program. They devised their plan for a 10-acre farm which would accommodate 18,000 hemp plants. About 75 percent of their crop was comprised of the unique “Merlot” strain, while the remaining 25 percent of their crop was the “Cherry Wine” variety.
As part of the State of Wisconsin’s pilot program, they are required to submit reports throughout the growing season. Additionally, before they are permitted to sell their product, the State of Wisconsin tests their crop to verify that they have remained under the legal limit of .3 percent THC. Upon passing the State’s test, they are issued a “Fit for Commerce” certificate allowing them to introduce their crop’s yield into the marketplace.
Being a pioneer in Wisconsin hemp farming has had its challenges. One of Lake Country Growers’ biggest challenges is that farming technology is not up to speed with the needs of a hemp farmer. Unlike a traditional row crop like corn or soybeans where there have been decades of advancements, hemp farming has only been underway for two growing seasons in the state of Wisconsin. Hemp farming is different than growing corn or soybeans, it’s more like growing tomatoes or lettuce. It’s very labor intensive and hands on. Transplanting the hemp seedlings from the greenhouse to the field took 11 full days and an army of family and friends. Rebecca states, “I know the industry will make advancements to make the process more efficient. We just have to wait for the manufacturers to catch up.”
In the meantime, much of the work on a hemp farm is done by hand, not machine. That means all 18,000 of their plants were seeded, planted, and weeded by hand.
LAKE COUNTRY GROWERS PRESENTS: GOLD LEAF COLLECTION
With a successful growing season behind them, all efforts are now focused on a successful launch of their retail product line: Gold Leaf Collection. Gold Leaf Collection will feature CBD rich lotion, relief stick, bath soak, dog tincture, 500 mg, and 1000 mg oil tinctures.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARIJUANA AND HEMP?
While a Hemp plant and a Marijuana plant look exactly the same, the properties of the plants are quite different. Marijuana, which is currently an illegal drug in most states, contains high levels of the psychoactive property “THC”. Marijuana plants can contain between four to 20 percent THC which gives the consumer a mind altering high.
CBD is different. Unlike THC, it is not psychoactive. Due to the fact that hemp contains less than .3 percent THC, CBD does not change a person’s state of mind when they use it. People who use CBD products can experience the natural soothing and nourishing properties found in the Hemp plant without the “high”.
A CLOSER LOOK AT CANNABINOIDS
CBD may be all the “buzz,” but the hemp plant is so much more than CBD. At least 113 different cannabinoids have been isolated from the cannabis plant. Why does all of this matter? You know you have your circulatory system, and the respiratory system, and the nervous system. But, did you know that in the 1990s they discovered a new system called the endocannabinoid system?
This is the system that balances your moods and “rights” you. For example, when you get sick and you feel down, the endocannabinoid system tries to balance you. We get some cannabinoids from eggs, pepper, and other foods. However, CBD and other important cannabinoids from hemp is like a direct link that connects to the endocannabinoid receptors in our body, without exciting it to the point that a THC laden marijuana plant would.
People who have consistently used CBD have found that it:
- Supports reduced pain
- For those who experience seizures, CBD could reduce the number of seizure episodes
- Can reduce anxiety and depression
- Supports quality sleep
- Improved overall well being
Hybrid 85 Corn: He’s Crushing it!
By Nate Belcher
Chris from northeastern Ohio planted 117-day corn as a side hobby and he’s crushing it! The following example was planted on turned-over sod ground and Chris used no fertilizer or herbicides!
“I’ve gotten good advice from local farmers that I respect. They won’t come out and say it, but they ask lots of questions about the seed I used this year . . . I enjoy cultivating and seedbed prep so conventional corn is the right choice profitability wise for me,” Chris said.
If you’re ready to farm for net but have questions, reach Nate Belcher at corn@hybrid85.com or call him at 402-580-0015.
You can also learn more at:
www.greenacrescovercrops.com
www.hybrid85.com
Still Confident and Looking Forward
By Kirk Peterson
I see business happening everywhere. Investment opportunities still exist and many are strong options. You need a plan for the future, despite current conditions.
That’s the American spirit. The same spirit that will continue to serve you through this storm.
We’ve been there before, we’ll make it through this too.
Give me a call!
Kirk Peterson | kirkpeterson@woodburyfinancial.net
(402) 519-0330 | www.petersonassetprotectiongroup.com
A Honey of a Deal from Anchor Meadow Farm
We have fresh, spring, raw honey available! The 16 ounce jars are $17 and six ounce jars are $8. The bees are buzzing for joy despite the challenges in the world!
Please call Emely Hendl at 402-613-5483 for pricing, pickup and delivery information. You can follow all the exciting Anchor Meadow Farm happenings at: www.facebook.com/Anchor-Meadow-Farm-245014352709769/
Our Milpa Garden
By Del Ficke
We are celebrating our Milpa Garden with all sorts of family members and neighbors. We ordered the seed from Green Cover. It’s currently out of stock, but watch their website for future seasons. In the meantime, enjoy the life growing around you in a multitude of ways. The current world situation has certainly caused me to pause and savor the moments more. I hope you can too.
About a Milpa garden, from the Green Cover Seed Website:
“Our Milpa Garden Warm Season mix is a great way to get fresh produce with minimal amounts of labor. The milpa technique originated in Central America where the Mayans used a mixture of corn, squash, and beans to improve the soil and grow food. At Green Cover Seed, we went beyond the three sisters and compiled a mix of over 40 different seeds. This is an excellent way to utilize a small portion of land to produce food without going through the hassle of tillage, weeding, and hours of planning. If you want a fun mix to grow food for your family, community or even local food pantry, this is the perfect mix for you!”
“Mix Includes: Hubam Clover, Cowpeas, Black Bean, Green Beans- Slenderette, Green Beans-Mountaineer, White Wonder Millet, Japanese Millet, Impact Forage Collards, Chinese Cabbage, Florida Broadleaf Mustard, Arugula- Roquette, Bartender Radish, Daikon Radish, Swiss Chard- Lucullus, Swiss Chard- Seafoam, Okra, Buckwheat, Cucumber- Lemon, Cucumber- Marketmore 76, Cucumber- Marketeer, Cucumber- National Pickler, Cucumber- Salt & Pepper, Squash- Waltham Butternut, Squash- Burgess Buttercup, Squash- Vegetable Spaghetti, Squash- Zucchini Gray, Pumpkin- Snow White, Pumpkin- Connecticut, Watermelon Blend, Melon- Cantaloupe 450, Melon- Honeydew Green, Melon- Ananas, Melon- Hales Best Jumbo, Marigold Flower, Calendula Flower, Cornflower, Cosmos Flower, Nasturtium and more!”
www.greencoverseed.com/product/milpa-garden-warm-season
As always, thank you for joining us!
“We might say that the earth has the spirit of growth; that its flesh is the soil.”
Leonardo da Vinci
No electronic or mechanical reproduction of The Liberator is permitted without direct consent of the author, Ficke Cattle Company.
Contact (402) 499-0329 or fickecattle@outlook.com Thank you so much for reading!
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