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Colorado to study hemp as livestock feed

A Colorado bill has passed unanimously to study the use of industrial hemp in animal feed but the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Executive Vice President says the study won’t be valid.

Terry Fankhauser tells Brownfield cattle producers in the state are against the measure because hemp is considered an adulterated feedstuff.  “We take very great caution in what we feed our livestock in order to make it both legally acceptable in those consumer streams, but also just really trying to uphold the integrity and safety of the product.”

He says it’s a national policy issue and more research is needed before hemp can be used in animal feed.  “It’s not like we’re funding research in Colorado. We’re going to take likeminded individuals interested in the issue and set them around a table and let them have a conversation—which is fine—but it’s not going to be a study, it’s not going to be something that has validity to it.”

Supporters of the bill say the study will help producers find more ways to effectively use hemp legally and create direct markets for farmers growing hemp.

The Food and Drug Administration does not currently allow industrial hemp to be used in livestock feed.  It is allowed in Europe, Australia and other parts of the world.

AUDIO: Interview with Terry Fankhauser 

  • Im a Feed Scientist that Graduated from Kansas State University that grew up on a cow/calf operation. After doing a study at Ranch Way Feeds in 2016; we found out of all the omega 3 benefits, natural antibiotic, and protein that this plant can offer the industry. Also after attending the 2017 NOCO Hemp Expo, confirmed my education on what the Industrial Hemp can do for this industry. CBD products are being used for pets currently in the U.S., as well as human Hemp based food products. So humans and pets are utilizing this plant, Question is why not also to the livestock industry? Food for thought.

  • Trusting the FDA will approve industrial hemp as livestock feed reasonably soon, is just the grain of the plant practical as feed or is the whole plant good as forage? If the whole plant, what is the digestibility and palatability of it to cattle? I have a neighbor rancher who is VERY interested in my crop.

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