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Redfern Hemp Farming Journal – August 2025

Storms, Pollination, and Biodiversity
August on the farm brought its share of challenges and rewards. After a recent storm, we took a walk through the fields to assess the state of our crops and the vibrant ecosystem that calls our farm home. Moreover, enjoy the two hemp farming educational farming below.

Corn Resilience and Pesticide-Free Success

Despite the storm, our corn has thrived this year. Growing without pesticides means we sometimes encounter worm damage, but the results have been impressive—many ears are healthy and untouched. Even when pests are present, we simply cut out the affected parts, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Our corn not only feeds us and our team but also provides for our cows and the local bird population.

Hemp Farming: Growth, Pollination, and Purpose

Beside the corn, our hemp plants are maturing beautifully. Observing the field, it’s clear that the male plants are beginning to release pollen, a crucial step for fertilizing the female plants. This natural pollination process ensures a bountiful harvest of seeds, oil, and biomass. The male-to-female ratio appears strong this season, with robust males standing tall among the females.
Hemp is a versatile crop—beyond seeds and oil, it provides valuable fiber and mulch. As the plants mature and die back, the remaining stalks and “hurd” (mulch) help enrich the soil and protect future crops

Sunset at Redfern's Regenerative Hemp Farm

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Sunflowers, Pigweed, and the Web of Life

Walking further, we find sunflowers awakening, soon to attract flocks of migrating birds. These towering plants, some reaching 12 feet, will soon be a feast for wildlife. Pigweed, though persistent, is gradually outcompeted by the sunflowers and hemp, maintaining a natural balance in the field.

Pollinators and Biodiversity

Our fields are alive with insects, butterflies, and bees, all drawn to the pollen and nectar of the sunflowers and hemp. These pollinators play a vital role in the health of our crops and the broader ecosystem. It’s always a joy to see the interplay between plants and wildlife, each supporting the other in a thriving, pesticide-free environment

Looking Ahead

As August progresses, we look forward to harvesting not just crops, but the benefits of a diverse and healthy farm ecosystem. Every season brings new lessons, and we’re grateful for the resilience of our plants and the abundance of life they support

Weathering the Storm: Sunflowers and Wildlife

Last week, our fields faced the wrath of a powerful storm, leaving many of our mature sunflowers flattened. While it was tough to see the damage, there’s a silver lining: the fallen sunflowers are now a feast for local wildlife, fulfilling our goal of supporting both bird seed production and natural ecosystems.

Standing Tall: The Resilience of Hemp

Amidst the chaos, our hemp crop stood tall—literally. Some plants reached an astonishing 20 feet, demonstrating remarkable resilience. This strength is just one of the reasons we’re so excited about hemp’s potential

Understanding Hemp: Male vs. Female Plants

During our latest field walk, we explored the differences between male and female hemp plants. Males are prized for their long, strong fibers, making them ideal for sustainable materials. Females, on the other hand, produce abundant buds and seeds, offering even more versatility.

Maximizing Potential: Whole-Plant Utilization

But why stop at the stalks and seeds? We’re also investigating ways to use the entire hemp plant—including the roots—for biomass. This whole-plant approach could unlock new opportunities for renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

** To support our hemp farming research, click the link below to visit Redfern’s online store. **

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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