By Morris Beegle
Welcome to my new Let’s Talk Hemp weekly industry profile – Shine on You – where I get to feature folks involved in the industry and who are doing important and interesting work from various corners and crevices of the hemp space. As the LTH Volume Up podcast is taking a break for a bit, I wanted to continue to highlight individuals I’ve had a chance to work with over the years or have admired from afar. Either way, there are plenty of amazing people working across the supply chain to build out infrastructure and a foundation to what someday will ultimately impact the world in such a positive way that it may truly save humanity.
Let’s get to know this week’s guest a bit better and why they love hemp!
Jamie Campbell Petty has been a passionate hemp advocate since 2013, when she first engaged with her home state of Indiana to support passage of the 2014 Farm Bill. Jamie, and now fellow co-founder of Midwest Hemp Council, Alan Kimbell first met while testifying before the Indiana General Assembly in January of 2014, in support of Indiana’s first hemp legislation. Jamie lived in Southern California for 25 years before returning to Indiana, where she and her Husband have a small hobby farm, where they continue to strive for a more efficient and self-reliant lifestyle.
When and why did you get into the hemp/cannabis industry?
I have always been passionate about agriculture, having admiration and respect for all the farm families with whom I grew up. In approximately 2013, my step-son, Justin, kicked off my hemp education. I felt compelled to become a voice for the plant, primarily as a crop option and diversified income stream for our farmers. Since beginning the journey, I have learned so many reasons hemp is key to a more sustainable world.
You are involved in non-profit work, can you tell us about the organization/organizations that you work with and what you do with them?
In approximately 2018, I joined Alan Kimbell and Justin Swanson in forming the Midwest Hemp Council. We did so on the heels of a difficult decision to dissolve our former entity, Indiana Hemp Industries Association. We were confident that MHC could be more effective, not just for Indiana, but for the Midwest – leveling the playing field, reaching out collaboratively, to grow the industry across the US and within the region.
What are your favorite products and/or attributes of the hemp/cannabis plant?
It depends upon the day! Cannabinoids have been a huge benefit to my fibromyalgia and arthritis, primarily Dreem Nutrition’s Terp Advantage. I am now using a Winged skin care product that I love as well. Foods Alive, an Indiana family-owned business carries a Toasted Hemp seed that I love for salad and snacks. Now, I’m excited to now be feeding Hemptana hemp treats to my horses and mini-donkeys – they are crazy about it !! However, from the beginning, bringing fiber back into the mainstream has always been my primary passion, but also where I have so much to learn!
Do you have any current or upcoming projects you’re working on and would like to let folks know about?
Midwest Hemp Council is ready to host our Hemp at the Crossroads conference for December 1, 2 and 3. We look forward to gathering in Indianapolis for several days of education and networking. Prior to that, along with NHA’s SCOHO Committee, we will be representing the hemp industry at the annual National Future Farmers of America Convention. This Convention happens every October in Indiana, and our Indiana team has always participated in the Expo. This year, thanks to the generosity and support of New Holland and NHA, hemp will be much more prominent on the FFA’s Expo Floor this year; and, we will lay the groundwork for continued expansion into the program. Hemp is the future, right? So, we have a responsibility to assist in proper education for our youth!
Also, as you know, I sit on the NHA’s Standing Committee of Hemp Organizations, and with you on the Friends of Hemp Board. Both of these entities, in different ways, represent something that is weighing heavily on me right now – collaboration and unity. And, perhaps, consolidation? Each of these groups represent an opportunity to unify the industry, while also expanding our footprint to include those not currently engaged with the industry. But, as we know, so many groups exist – yet so little human and financial resources to support all of these; we must find common ground and efficiencies that move this industry forward. Like our fellow Americans, we may not always agree on certain issues – but, we must act with respect and compassion, while working toward a common goal.
What are your favorite hobbies and who are your top 3 favorite bands or musical artists?
I love to paddleboard; although I must say paddling in our little Indiana pond doesn’t provide quite the thrill of the Pacific! My husband and I enjoy our small hobby farm and it is the main focus of our activities, really – growing our own produce, foraging and hunting. We have chickens, horses, donkeys, barn cats – and the Redbones of which our hemp industry friends got an earful when visiting our field day in August! We love sharing our quiet corner of the world, including the dirt and noise, and never-ending honey-do list!
As to tunes, these days, you will likely hear Tyler Childers, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, Indigo Girls drifting through the air – we are fans of all genres … moving to this rural area, however, has really limited our engagement with live music, which we both love. Guy still occasionally jams with a friend or two, but more often sneaks off to his jam room and catches up with his bass.
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About Morris Beegle
Cannabis/hemp advocate and entrepreneur Morris Beegle is Co-founder and President of the WAFBA (We Are For Better Alternatives) family of brands. He is also the producer of NoCo Hemp Expo and Southern Hemp Expo as well as publisher of Let’s Talk Hemp. For additional information on what Morris is up to, visit his website at www.morrisbeegle.com and if you would like to get in touch, drop a message to morris@morrisbeegle.com
