iHemp Hour: Weaving the Future with Susan Barnhart of SHEMP
The future of the hemp industry is not just in the soil; it’s in the threads. In a fascinating episode of the iHemp Hour, host Dave Crabill was joined by Susan Barnhart, a veteran brand-builder and the visionary founder of SHEMP, a company creating a revolutionary new textile by blending wool and hemp.
The episode also features crucial updates on banking legislation from Mike Brennan and an exclusive look at a massive hemp decorticator in action from Blaine Becktold.
The Main Event: The Story of SHEMP
Susan Barnhart’s journey into the hemp industry is a masterclass in brand development. With a long career helping build household names like L’eggs and Keebler, she brings a level of strategic expertise the industry desperately needs. She shared the story of how a conversation at a sheep rancher’s convention sparked an innovative idea: what if you could combine the strengths of wool with the sustainability and durability of hemp?
From that idea, SHEMP was born. Here are the highlights of her groundbreaking work:
- The Perfect Blend: SHEMP is a USA-produced worsted textile yarn made from a 60/40 blend of wool and hemp. This combination creates a high-performance fabric that is soft, durable, anti-microbial, and sustainable.
- Building a Brand, Not Just a Business: Susan emphasized her core philosophy: “You don’t build a business, you build a brand.” From the clever name (SHeep + hEMP) to trademarking not just the logo but the entire product category, her approach is focused on creating a lasting, scalable identity.
- The Sourcing Challenge: To create the high-quality, silky yarn she requires, the hemp fibers must be at least 4.5 inches long. This presents a major challenge in the U.S., where processing infrastructure is still in its infancy. Susan is dedicated to using American-grown hemp and is patiently working with partners to build a reliable supply chain.
- A Smart Business Model: Rather than taking on the immense capital expense of building a multi-million dollar decortication and degumming facility herself, Susan’s model is built on strategic alliances with processors, spinners, and manufacturers.
- Go-to-Market Strategy: The initial target for SHEMP yarn is the outdoor industry, with hosiery (socks) being the “lowest hanging fruit.”
Michigan Hemp & Cannabis News Roundup
The episode also provided key updates from around the state:
- SAFE Banking Act: Mike Brennan reported that the Community Bankers of Michigan have come out in support of the federal SAFE Banking Act, which has passed the House and is now in the Senate. This is a crucial step toward solving the banking crisis that plagues both the cannabis and hemp industries.
- “The Beast” in Action: Blaine Becktold gave a remote report from a “secret location” in Michigan, showcasing “The Beast”—a massive, custom-built machine designed to decorticate hemp stalks, separating the valuable herd and fiber for use in plastics, animal bedding, and more.
- Equipment for Sale: The drying and processing equipment shown in Blaine’s segment is for sale. Interested parties can contact Blaine for more information.
Don’t Miss:
- Upcoming Expo: Mark your calendars! The Midwest iHemp Expo will be held in Lansing on January 21st and 22nd.
- This Week’s Recipe: Learn how to make a delicious and nutritious Blueberry Hemp Smoothie.
This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of hemp textiles, the importance of professional branding, and the latest developments in Michigan’s growing hemp ecosystem.