Olathe, Colorado

Acreage in Olathe are the best kept secret in Colorado because the farmers are planting hemp. Hay farmers, truck crop farmers and some orchard growers are now growing hemp. Colorado State Sen. Don Coram, the man who helped guide state legislation that opened the industry in the state, is, himself, a hemp farmer. His Montrose County operation supports close to 25,000 industrial hemp plants.

Hemp is not a new thing.

Hemp fiber has been a staple in the textile business for centuries. The long, strong fibers are used in making exquisite, crisp fabrics used in everything from lingerie to draperies. It was used for centuries in making rope and cord, until nylon and acrylics took over that field. It can be woven into a fiberboard that is as strong as wood. In all more than 25,000 products have the hemp plant to thank for their existence.