The Texas Hemp Growers Association (THGA), Tarleton State University, and a team of experts from element6 Dynamics collaborated to gain acceptance from the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service to feed hempseed meal and hempseed oil to chickens and horses in the state of Texas.
FEED INDUSTRY MEMORANDUM NO. 5-35 and FEED INDUSTRY MEMORANDUM NO. 5-36, issued on Jan. 24, 2023, has defined Hempseed Oil, Mechanical Extracted and Hempseed Meal, Mechanical Extracted, ingredients for the manufacture of feed for all life cycles and categories of horses and chickens in the State of Texas. The Texas Commercial Feed Control Act §141.008 authorizes the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service to adopt rules authorizing, defining and controlling the use of hemp and hemp products in commercial feed.
High in fiber, protein, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, hemp was a staple in animal diets for centuries before its prohibition. Though legalized for growing and declared an agricultural commodity by the 2018 US Farm Bill, a lack of approval for animal feed has hampered hemp grain markets, making it unprofitable for farmers. This acceptance will provide new markets for registered Texas hemp farmers. “Many of our licensed farms are also family-owned. We want to do everything we can to support these families and their investments. It’s good for Texas agriculture, and we need to continue to support this growing and burgeoning industry.” said Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner
In 2022, Texas Hemp Growers Association, Tarleton State’s Dr. Kimberly Guay, Hunter Buffington, Jessica Scott, and Caitlin Denman (in collaboration with element6 Dynamics) submitted a risk assessment accompanied by a third party review to the Service, thereby initiating the ingredient review and approval process. Research on hempseed products conducted at Tarleton State University by Dr. Kimberly Guay has been critical in creating the risk assessment submission. SLV Hemp donated the hempseed meal utilized for research, and Camphouse Hemp provided transportation.
“This effort would not have been successful without the ongoing support of TDA and Commissioner Miller, the excellent staff at the Texas Feed and Fertilizer Control Service, and Senator Charles Perry. Without these dedicated leaders, this opportunity would not be available to Texas farmers.” Tillery Sims, Board Member THGA.
The Texas Hemp Growers Association (THGA) is a 501c5 not-for-profit association created to leverage farmer influence on the emerging industrial hemp industry. We provide farmers with the resources they need to make decisions regarding the cultivation and marketing of hemp and hemp-derived products. THGA is working diligently to ensure that the livelihood of farmers is at the forefront of all discussions regarding hemp in Texas.
