Scott Ebelhar is a partner and chief agronomist

Scott Ebelhar is a partner and chief agronomist at Peterson Farms in Loretto, KY. Peterson Farms manages over 17, 000 acres of non-gmo corn and soybeans, wheat, organic hemp, and organic grains. They are also the majority owners and operators of Kentucky Heritage Hemp Company, a hemp oil processor located near Bardstown, KY. Additional ventures include seed processing of soybeans, wheat and grain merchandising for the bourbon industry. Scott was born and raised on a family grain and tobacco farm in Owensboro, KY. He received a B. S. in Agriculture from Western Kentucky University and a M. S. in Agronomy from Iowa State. Before joining Peterson Farms. Scott had an 11 year career in the seed industry with Garst Seed Company (development agronomist) and Beck’s Superior Hybrids (KY Practical Farm Research Director and field agronomist). Scott is also a Certified Crop Advisor and graduate of TEPAP (The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers – Texas A&M). Scott Ebelhar, Chief Agronomist Peterson Farms

Lessons Learn in Hemp Production Scott Ebelhar Partner / Agronomist Peterson Farms

Peterson Farms • Loretto, KY Photo by Patricia Longmire Photography

KY Heritage Hemp Farm Peterson Farms

Peterson Farms • Specialty Grains: • Corn & Wheat: Bourbon Industry • Non-GMO Soybeans: Southeast Asia • Seed Conditioning • Industrial Hemp: CBD oil production Photo by Patricia Longmire Photography

• The Landlord “suggested” that we grow it…. . Why Hemp? ? ? • Diversification • Opportunity to lead in a developing market

Industrial Hemp Production 2015 – 35 Acres Seed Increase 2016 – 75 Acres Seed Increase 2017 – 37 Acres Biomass for CBD 2018 – 125 Acres Biomass for CBD 2019 – 185 Acres Organic Biomass for CBD • 2019 – Kentucky Heritage Hemp – 200 Acres Biomass for CBD with Partner Farms • • •

1. End-user partnership is essential!!! • Partnership; not just a contract Lessons learned… • Branded product and access to wholesale markets • High risk does not always mean high reward!

2. Just because hemp “can grow anywhere” doesn’t mean it should Lessons learned… • Well–drained, high fertility soils • Transplant; do not direct seed

3. Genetics, Genetics! • CBD output is highly correlated to genetics • so is THC…. Lessons learned… • Breeding efforts are greatly needed • Cultivar stabilization • Wide ranges in plant maturity • Wide ranges in CBD & THC output • Feminization • Disease tolerance • Certified seed (regulation? )

4. Roots, Roots! • Taproot systems > fibrous roots • Clones? Lessons learned… • Transplant tray selection in important • Greater transplant root mass = greater success in field establishment

5. We have a lack of agronomic knowledge about… Lessons learned… EVERYTHING!!!

5. We have a lack of agronomic knowledge about… • Green house management Lessons learned… • • Soil medium? Type and timing of nutrition? Watering schedules? Timing of seeding based on intended transplant date?

5. We have a lack of agronomic knowledge about… • Fertility Needs Lessons learned… • • N–P–K Calcium? Boron? Timing and form of all nutrients

6. Timely harvest is key and difficult • Start testing for CBD and THC early! Lessons learned… • Better chance of maximizing CBD without passing legal THC limits • Mold risk increases with: • Rainfall • Earworms • Barn hanging

6. Timely harvest is key and difficult • Start testing for CBD and THC early! • Better chance of maximizing CBD without passing legal THC limits Lessons learned… • Mold risk increases with: • Rainfall • Earworms • Barn hanging • Mechanized harvest and drying?

Thank You! Scott Ebelhar www. peterson-farms. com scotte@peterson-farms. com