County of Two HillsHosts Workshop for Producers

County of Two Hills Hosts Workshop for Producers

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

A total of 25 producers attended a special workshop at the Two Hills Curling Rink on April 6.

The event was hosted by the County of Two Hills, and topics included: growing industrial hemp for

fiber and farm insurance policy review. Cam Parsons, Head Agronomist for Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation, (CRHC) informed producers about growing industrial hemp for fiber and upcoming plans for its 45,000 square foot decortication processing facility in Bruderheim.

Hemp decortication facility in Bruderheim.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

CRHC’s proprietary “Long-Fiber Decortication Line” is expected to be commissioned in May, 2022 with the second line being commissioned later this summer. Both lines have a processing capacity of 4 – 4.5 tonnes of hemp feedstock per hour.

By fall 2022, CRHC will employ 75 employees. Currently, we have 21 employees. The head office is anticipated to open in late 2022. It will be constructed using hempcrete made from hurd grown by local Alberta farmers and processed by CRHC.

CRHC is contracting 10 – 15,000 acres of hemp in the 2022 growing season. We are still signing contracts for the 2022 growing season. Farmers growing hemp on contract for CRHC take care of seeding and spraying the crop, CRHC completed all in-crop scouting, harvest, baling, hauling and delivery to the decortication facility.

Parsons said hemp is a “really viable crop option” and a good way for producers to diversify their grain operations. “Hemp grows extremely well in Alberta, but until now there were no processing plants to buy farmer’s straw.

Pictured from L-R: Spencer Tighe, Chief Operations Officer of Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation, Cam Parsons, Head Agronomist of Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation, County of Two Hills Ag Fieldman Elden Kozak, County of Two Hills Assistant Ag Fieldman Sara Miller and Carol Bouck, Agriculture/Farm Specialist with Foster Park Brokers.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

“We are here to be the link between farmers and manufacturers by offering a wide range of hemp services and products. From farm consulting and agronomy, to full custom harvesting services, CRHC is here to service farmers.”

Parsons went over the benefits of growing hemp as well as tips on seeding, equipment, fertilizers, pesticides. He also reviewed the terms of their fiber and straw contracts as well as revenue breakdown.

Billboard near Bruderheim facility.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Carol Bouck, an agriculture/farm specialist with Foster Park Brokers, presented Farm Insurance 101. “If nothing else you’ll be able to read your insurance policy so you can make some informed decisions,” said Bouck.

She touched on the importance of having a broker that understands the specific needs of producers. With 40 years of experience, Bouck said she prides herself on making on-farm visits and customizing a policy which is tailored to their particular needs.

Bouck’s focus of the presentation was to illustrate what to look for in a complete program by reviewing an existing farm insurance policy. She reviewed all of the terminology, types of coverage, limitations, liability, perils, payouts and valuation on property, equipment, crops and livestock.

CRHC tedders the 2021 crop.

(Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation/Submitted Photo)

“Your operations, inventory and assets are all subject to change year over year, and it is a great risk management practice to meet at a minimum to review your program.” She also recommended having a professional building appraisal/loss control. “Once this is completed you have the best defense against an insurer to ensure that in the event of a claim, they would have a limited ability to charge a coinsurance penalty.

Loss control inspections provided by the insurer are also a great way to identify any potential hazards that may lead to a claim.”

Bouck also pointed out that, “Loss control inspections provided by the insurer are also a great way to identify any potential hazards that may lead to a claim.” One other thing she asked producers to consider: What plans do you have in place to get your business up and running after a loss?

She said there are many areas to consider when it comes to farm insurance and that having strategic partners and a plan are the best way to effectively manage your business.