Reflections from the NoCo Hemp Expo® 2025 | Estes Park, Colorado
What an incredible few days at the 11th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo®, an event that continues to be a cornerstone for our industry. Over 3 days, leaders, innovators, and change-makers came together to advance the future of industrial hemp.
I had the privilege of speaking on two panels this year, diving into topics close to my heart:
Optimising Yields: Advancing Hemp Genetics for a New Era, alongside Wendy Mosher (New West Genetics) and Jeffrey Kostuik (Verve Seeds), where we explored the importance of purpose-bred varietals and the critical role of genetics in scaling reliable, high-yielding hemp crops for food and fibre markets.
All the World’s a Stage: The Future of Industrial Hemp in Action, a broader industry discussion on where we’re heading, what’s holding us back, and how collaboration is key to realising hemp’s potential as a global commodity.
It was inspiring to see the depth of passion and expertise from everyone involved, from seasoned pioneers to emerging innovators.
Special thanks to:
Paul Benhaim — a long-time mentor and global advocate for hemp’s environmental and economic potential. Always leading from the front.
Morris Beegle — the driving force behind NoCo, whose tireless efforts keep this community thriving and growing every year.
Joseph Hickey Sr — a true industry legend whose commitment to regenerative agriculture and hemp’s role in rural economies is unmatched.
For Hemp Farms Australia, these conversations reinforced the global need for robust, climate-adapted genetics and the importance of strong supply chain partnerships as we expand into new markets. Looking forward to the next one.
