This is it folks! The KY industrial hemp bill, sponsored by Sen Paul Hornback, is all set for February 11th in the Agriculture Committee in Frankfort! The hearing is set for 11AM Eastern Time.

It's now been confirmed that Congressman John Yarmuth (D) and Senator Rand Paul (R) will be testifying on behalf of the crop. They will be there to support Agriculture Commissioner James Comer.

Why is this such big news?

So far industrial hemp farming in KY has been endorsed by the KY Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Association of Counties, the KY Judge Executives Association, and individual Sheriffs across the state.

The issue has gotten incredibly positive media coverage around the Bluegrass, and several major industries are now looking carefully into hemp research and production. Patriot Bioenergy is currently doing research into blending hemp cellulose with coal for cleaner burning fuel. Caudill Seed Company, the largest producer of certified seed in the state of Kentucky, has expressed great interest in hemp seed being the newest addition to their company. And there are even talks of Toyota replacing the jute used to make car parts with KY grown hemp fibers!

And now, add to that these two heavyweights of the political world who are coming together to testify on behalf of a crop that could be the desperately-needed replacement for tobacco. They are putting political pressure aside to prove that hemp is not only a non-partisan issue, it's a job creating issue! In addition to these two testimonies, we should also hear from newly elected Congressman Thomas Massie, a vocal supporter of hemp, and Mike Lewis, a disabled veteran who founded the group Homegrown by Heroes, which helps military veterans get back to the land and back to work.

This is an incredible lineup of speakers, all coming together to testify on behalf of a crop which has massive grassroots support across the state. I would recommend that any hemp supporters who are in the area that Monday, to come and show their support for the bill, as well as staying afterwards for a possible political rally on the steps of the Capitol!

If you have any questions, please give me a call, text, or email. Hope to see you there!

Katie Moyer

Commission Member and Chair of the KY Hemp Coalition

270-305-4057

Hey y'all....

We desperately need green slips for the following legislators...

Sen Sarah Beth Gregory

Sen Whitney Westerfield

Sen David Givens

Sen Carroll Gibson Fannie Overly

Rep John Tilley

Please get on the horn tomorrow and every day this week and leave messages for one or all of these legislators, as well as your own legislators. Now is really the time to turn up the heat because we have a few legislators who are still a little uncertain of which way they will vote. Green slips needed!

I'll update everyone on which House Representatives we need phone calls for as soon as I get a better bearing on the House.

LRC phone number is 800-372-7181 Leave a message for your representatives and the ones listed above in support of Senate Bill 50, Paul Hornbacks' industrial hemp bill. Feel free to add your own touch, but as long as you call in support of industrial hemp, that will be perfect.