Hemp Voices: Melissa Nelson Baldwin, South Bend Industrial Hemp
Melissa Nelson Baldwin (Center) co-owner and research scientist of South Bend Industrial Hemp with partners Aaron Baldwin (L) and Richard Baldwin (R) in Great Bend, KS
The potential of new markets and innovations is what interests me most about industrial hemp. From farming, to processing to end users development will need to occur at all levels. Every generation has a major shift in their lifetime and I think this is what will be during mine... a more sustainable and regenerative effort at all levels.
What was a win for your company in the past year? Surviving and thriving through another year as a start up business. We've now been in operation growing fiber for 5 years and processing for 3.5 years. Statically, 49.4% of businesses fail within their first five years. Thankfully, we are trending towards more growth and success as we move into the next year. Another win is the profitability of our farmers in a tough economic market and our success of businesses purchasing our hurd for their projects. We also entered into some exciting partnerships I look forward to sharing in 2025.
What is something about hemp building/construction/processing you didn’t know a year ago? It is always a revolving door of learning in our operation. I'd have to take out a bigger page in this book if I wanted to list everything I've learned! Our goal is always to surround ourselves with people pursuing the industry with passion and integrity. Learning is limitless when you have those types of people in your corner!
What challenges does the hemp building industry face that it must overcome? I still think shipping is one of the biggest challenges either in a raw or processed form simply because of the density of this material. However, we have seen a positive shift in freight pricing.South Bend Industrial Hemp, Great Bend, KS
Contact: Melissa Nelson-Baldwin
(785) 851-0061
