Ep. 2 From Farm Field to Foundation: How Hemp Becomes a Building Material

Описание: In this episode of the HempBuild Podcast, host Ray Kaderli sits down with Melissa Nelson, crop research scientist and co-founder of South Bend Industrial Hemp, one of the Midwest’s leading hemp processing facilities. Together, they unpack the full journey of industrial hemp—from seed genetics and farming practices to processing, quality control, and real-world use in construction.
For AIE-CE credits, register at this link: https://hempbuild-community.circle.so...

CHAPTER LIST
00:00 – How Hemp Becomes a Building Material
Introduction to hempcrete, industrial hemp, and why supply chains matter
03:08 – Meet a U.S. Hemp Processor: Melissa Nelson
Crop research, farming background, and building a hemp processing facility
07:22 – Why Farmers Are Growing Hemp for Construction
Economic pressures, diversification, and why hemp fiber makes sense
12:41 – Growing Hemp With Construction in Mind
Seed genetics, planting density, and farming for building materials
17:36 – Hemp Hurd vs Hemp Fiber Explained
What part of the hemp plant is used in hempcrete and why
22:47 – Inside a Hemp Processing Facility
How hemp is separated, cleaned, and prepared for construction use
27:18 – What Makes Hemp Building-Grade?
Particle size, dust content, cellulose, and quality control standards
32:41 – Can Builders Get Reliable Hemp Materials in the U.S.?
Supply availability, lead times, and scaling hemp for housing projects
37:14 – Hempcrete, Insurance & Construction Risk
Why testing, documentation, and traceability matter for liability
42:05 – Tracking Hemp From Farm to Building
Batch tagging, transparency, and carbon documentation
46:52 – Health Benefits of Hemp Building Materials
Non-toxic walls, moisture regulation, mold resistance, and IAQ
51:21 – Fiber Hemp vs CBD Hemp (Why It Matters)
Why not all hemp works for construction (bell pepper analogy)
56:05 – How Hemp Companies Collaborate Instead of Compete
Why processors work together to meet building demand
59:34 – The Future of Hempcrete & Hemp Homes in the U.S.
Scaling acreage, water use, and long-term resilience
1:04:18 – Final Takeaways for Builders & Homeowners
To register for AIA-CE credit: https://hempbuild-community.circle.so...