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UVA Biology Department, Dr. Mike Timko, and Graham Redfern, Discuss the Future of Hemp Innovation

Cultivating the Future of Hemp with UVA

Redfern Hemp Company and UVA Team Up

The Redfern Hemp Company, a leader in sustainable hemp farming, recently collaborated with the University of Virginia (UVA) Biology Department’s Dr. Mike Timko on a fascinating project that concerns the future of hemp innovation. This blog dives into their discussion, focusing on Redfern’s 2024 research crop which is designed to examine the biomass potential of the so-called ‘landrace varieties,’ or feral varieities which have been preserved by the USDA and have not been grown in years.

Lewis & Clark Professor of Biology, Professor of Public Health Science, Director of Human Biology Distinguished Major Program

Our research is conducted at the cellular and organismal level using a wide range of  biochemical, molecular, and genomic approaches in the laboratory and  in silico (computational/ bioinformatic)

UVA Dept. of Biology

A Masterful Mix: Grain and High-CBD Hemp

The video below starts off with, Graham Redfern – the mastermind behind Redfern Hemp Company – who shares his unique approach to cultivating hemp. He utilizes a mixed crop system, incorporating both grain and CBD (cannabidiol) varieties. This year’s VDX test crop, fully seeded just 15 days before harvest, yielded impressive results. The CBD content reached a remarkable 20%, with THC levels remaining comfortably below the legal limit of 0.3%, at a perfect 0.29%.

This conversation between Graham Redfern and Mike Timko highlights their partnership in growing biomass from several different hemp varieties for composition analysis.

While the high CBD content is impressive, Graham emphasizes that oil production is a secondary benefit. His primary focus lies in developing a robust seed stock. Over the past three years, he’s meticulously cultivated three distinct varieties, prioritizing high grain yield and strong stock material. These efforts highlight his commitment to breeding exceptional hemp strains.

Unearthing the Future of Hemp with Landrace Varieties

The collaboration between Redfern Hemp and UVA extends beyond current crops. Graham received a unique collection of materials from the USDA. These materials encompassed “landrace varieties” – feral hemp seeds originating from Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. These seeds, some of which haven’t been cultivated for years, represent a fascinating opportunity.

Many of the ‘landrace’ seeds haven’t been germinated in many, many years!

Graham and his team are tasked with cultivating these landrace varieties. Their efforts will allow UVA researchers to conduct a comprehensive analysis of each variety’s biomass composition. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the untapped potential of these forgotten strains.

Looking Toward the Future of Hemp Innovation & Collaboration

The Redfern Hemp Company and UVA’s collaboration signifies a powerful step forward in hemp cultivation. Graham’s expertise in mixed cropping and seed stock development paired with UVA’s leading research facilities opens doors for significant advancements. From maximizing grain yields to unlocking the potential of landraces, this project holds immense promise for the future of hemp agriculture. As the research progresses, we can expect exciting discoveries that will shape the sustainable and innovative future of this remarkable crop.

In conclusion, every purchase of Redfern’s high quality VA made hemp products supports not only our hemp research initiatives, but, also, Virginia green jobs that promise to further de-carbonize the economy!

PIERCE REDFERN

Sales & Production

I am native to Richmond and attended Collegiate School and The University of Alabama. I am married to my wife, Lauren, and we have two children together, Palmer and Hendley. Graham is my older brother and I have been with the company since the fall of 2022.

I enjoy hunting, fishing and just about anything outdoors. Graham’s strong passion for this industry motivates others to excel, including myself. I love the team we have together now and can’t wait to see what the future holds for Redfern Hemp Co.!

GLORIA RAMIREZ

Kitchen Production

Gloria is from Guatemala. She moved to Virginia in 2023 and began working with the Redfern Team.

Gloria plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our products are precisely packaged using our quality control SOP guidelines.

ROB UJEVIC

Outside Sales

I’m from Reston, VA currently living in Richmond and Engaged with no kids yet… I began working for Redfern after my original venture, Gourmet Hemp Foods, partnered with them. I love Redfern cause they offer freedom and flexibility to grow.

Redfern is family oriented and serves the community and customers with utmost diligence. Graham Redfern is the hardest working leader I’ve ever had the privilege to work for!

WHITNEY MORGAN

Market Manager

I’m from Caroline County, Virginia and I am married to my husband Ryan. I’ve worked with Redfern Hemp Co. a little over two years. Before that I was a nanny and I worked as a pediatric dental assistant.

I handle online sales and a few outside wholesale accounts. Working with Redfern is a dream job I never thought I’d have.

We are a true family. We work like one, and argue like one. As a team we are flexible and have a real love for the plant and what it can do. There is no limit for the plant so there is no limit for us.

For example, my mom suffered from hair loss after Covid. She started to add Redfrn’s Whole Plant Tincture into her shampoo and conditioner and it helped her hair regrow. The plant is magic!

TIFFANY OBLINSKY

HR & Administration

Tiffany is the anchor of our team, ensuring that we stay organized and that the company’s operations are always running smoothly. During her free time, Tiffany enjoys taking her family to Lake Anna while simultaneously keeping Graham in line from her smartphone!

Corey Reed

Social Media Manager

Hi, I’m Corey. Originally from Charlotte, NC, I’ve called Virginia my second home for over 12 years. With a 10-year background in healthcare and nursing, and 5 years in content creation and social media, I’ve developed a diverse skill set. In my free time, I enjoy creating content, writing music, fishing, and being the best father I can be. Working with Graham and the Redfern team has been a dream come true. It has allowed me to pursue my passions for content creation, health and wellness, community morale, and making meaningful connections. At Redfern Hemp Co, I oversee the social media side of the business. You can also catch me at Redfern Market, so feel free to stop by and say hi!

COURTNEY KUSTERER

Production / Sales / Event Manager

Knowledgeable and passionate about the hemp plant, Courtney is an all around asset to our company. Since her early days with Graham in Waynesboro, she has acquired invaluable insights and business knowledge to help the success of our small business. Her ability to tell the Redfern story is unmatched. If you’ve ever seen one of our event setups, you can tell that Courtney had her creative ideas flowing. She has built a strong wholesale portfolio, while strengthening our network of industry connections. Her expertise in directing customers to the right products is undeniable, playing a pivotal role in assisting Graham in building the company from the ground up. In her free time, Courtney enjoys moments on the farm with Graham and their farm family of cat, cows, chickens, ducks, and dogs. She also values family time at Virginia Tech football games and moments on the boat or at the beach.

GRAHAM REDFERN

Owner & Hemp Farmer

Before I became an American hemp farmer and entrepreneur, I first heard of the hemp industry during a period when my construction business thrived, but the housing crash of 2009 changed everything. While visiting Asheville, North Carolina, I encountered a groundbreaking green building – a house made 90% from hemp, from the flooring to the walls, excluding only electrical components and appliances.

Intrigued, I consulted with Andrea Herman, president of the Hemp Industries of America, spending an hour and $150 to understand the challenges of building such houses in the U.S.. When Andrea explained the steep costs preventing widespread use of U.S.-grown hemp, it ignited a passion in me. I questioned, “Why not?” This moment became a catalyst for my deep dive into the hemp industry.

Passage of the Farm Bills

In 2014, the passing of the Farm Bill allowed universities to grow hemp, prompting me to shift from the car industry. Initially unsure of my path, I invested in penny hemp stocks and connected with the Virginia Industrial Hemp Coalition, working with universities such as JMU, UVA, VSU, and Virginia Tech to explore potential markets.

For four years, restricted by regulations to work with universities, I delved into the banking industry. When the 2019 Farm Bill dismantled barriers, allowing American farmers to cultivate cannabis plants with less than 0.3% THC, my dream took a leap. Redfern Hemp Co. was born, marking the legal sale of hemp products in Virginia for the first time in over seventy years. With my girlfriend Courtney, we hustled – attending state fairs, cultivating hemp on our 42-acre Caroline County farm, and navigating the burgeoning industry. Fast-forward to 2023, and despite being one of the few companies remaining, we face challenges.

Unfortunately, Virginia lawmakers have strained our efforts, declaring federally legal cannabinoid-derived hemp products illegal unless sold by a select few medical marijuana operators.

In the face of Virginia’s attempt to monopolize medical marijuana, we persist in expanding cannabis job opportunities for all Virginians.

We champion Virginians’ rights to affordable, high-quality products, battling against restrictive legislation. It’s disheartening to see the government hindering the benefits of this plant, including job creation and increased taxation.

Restoring Virginia’s Hemp Farming Legacy

There was a time when Virginian hemp farmers paid taxes with hemp. Reintroducing low-dosage, safe cannabinoid products in smoke shops, convenience stores, and local markets could restore this tradition on a broader scale than a handful of licensees. We’re committed to reclaiming this birthright, enabling Virginians to pay their taxes with hemp once again.

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