As we close out 2024, IND HEMP reflects on a year of growth, innovation, and impactful milestones. From product launches to industry-defining events, we’ve pushed boundaries and expanded our reach in the hemp industry. Here’s a look back at the key achievements that defined our year.
Q1: Laying the Groundwork
January
- Partnerships and Expansions: Strengthened relationships with Mid-States, Murdochs, and North 40, leading to multiple shipments and establishing a great footprint. We also formed a new distribution partnership with Healing Cowgirl from Ohio.
- New Facility: We brought our Belgrade warehouse online, increasing capacity for Fulfillment by Manufacturer (FBM) processes with platforms like Amazon, Chewy, and Shopify.
- Automation & Efficiency: Welcomed a state-of-the-art robot arm from Italy to revolutionize operations.
- Event Highlights: Attended MAGIE 2024, engaging with industry peers and showcasing our latest offerings.
February
- Industry Leadership: Represented IND HEMP at the International Erosion Control Association’s (IECA) Annual Conference, where the spotlight was on hemp-based sediment blankets and hydro mulch innovations.
- Sales Milestone: Amazon sales soared, achieving milestones, supported by our partnerships to steward in this streamlined process.
- NASC Certification: Achieved National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) certification, signifying adherence to the highest standards of quality and manufacturing in the pet and animal supplement industry.
- Outreach: Engaged with future talent at the MSU Ag Mingle event, building connections with students and future employees.
March
- Awards and Recognition: Our All Walks Coop Combo took 1st Place in the New Product Showcase at the Global Pet Expo in the Farm and Feed category.
- Industry Engagement: Attended Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center workshop, collaborating with top brands like Columbia Sportswear and Eileen Fisher to shape the future of hemp fiber textiles.
- Supply Chain Expansion: Shipped our first truckload of Platinum Fiber to a major industry partner and bolstered our distribution network.
- Community Support: Supported the Malek Angus Ranch Bull Sale with 7 pallets of Hemptana bedding, reinforcing our commitment to the ranching community.
Q2: Building Momentum
April
- B Corp Certification: Achieved B Corporation certification, joining a global community of companies dedicated to social and environmental impact.
- Event Presence: Supported SDSU’s Jack Rabbit Stampede Rodeo and the MSU Rodeo with premium Hemptana bedding, showcasing our equine product’s superior absorbency and quality. Both events saw all their stalls bedded with Hemptana bedding and even had enough for participants to take with them. Much respect to rodeo and the sport.
- Media Coverage: IND HEMP’s pet products were spotlighted in Pet Business magazine, highlighting our hemp-based small animal bedding’s benefits.
May
- Industry Events: Sponsored the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, providing bedding and promoting Hemptana’s equine supplements.
- Showcase & Promotion: Participated in the NPE Plastics Tradeshow, drawing attention to hemp’s role in sustainable plastics and bio-based content.
- Community Engagement: Hosted a First Responders Appreciation Open House, giving tours of our facilities and supporting local emergency services.
June
- Industry Alliances: Entered a new distribution partnership with Palmer Holland, a leader in specialty chemical and fine ingredient distribution.
- Facility Upgrades: Advanced operations at the fiber facility, processing some of the first purpose-grown fiber lots and running trials with an industry leader in fiber applications.
- Event Participation: Hosted U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ staff and Representative Matt Rosendale’s team, discussing the Industrial Hemp Act and touring our facilities to showcase hemp’s economic potential.
Q3: Scaling Impact
July
- Industry Innovation: Showcased hemp fiber blankets at the Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA) event, furthering hemp’s role in sustainable erosion control.
- Team Engagement: Held our Bi-Annual All-Employee BBQ and launched new initiatives to strengthen workplace camaraderie.
- Sales and Expansion: Processed 49 bales of straw and pressed nearly 10,000 lbs of grain, while also finalizing new SKUs for distribution to 178 Midstate stores.
August
- Major Events: Attended SuperZoo 2024, securing new partnerships with Walmart, Chewy, and Petco for the All Walks brand. We were also recognized as a 2024 PAC Top Performer by the Pet Sustainability Coalition.
- Technical Certifications: Secured AAFCO approval for hemp seed meal for laying hens, paving the way for commercial animal feed opportunities.
- Industry Leadership: Represented IND HEMP at TechTextil North America, promoting the potential of hemp fiber for textiles, automotive, and construction.
September-October
- Industry Summit: Hosted the Goodness of Hemp Summit, bringing together industry experts for discussions on agronomy, hempcrete, and R&D funding.
- Field Day: Participated in the Hemp Field Day at Cornell AgriTech, highlighting advancements in agronomy and breeding programs.
- Product Growth: Launched the All Walks cat litter on Amazon and rolled out new Hemptana NASC Supplements, boosting our product lineup and online presence.
Q4: Closing Strong
November-December
- Industry Conferences: Represented IND HEMP at the Montana Grain Growers Conference, the Montana Organic Association (MOA) conference, GreenBuild, and the Canadian Hemp Alliance Conference in Canada.
- Innovation Launch: Unveiled the HempMARK™ AI tool in partnership with ZASTI and HEMI, a groundbreaking platform for industry education and carbon benchmarking.
- Event Highlights: Supported team riders Arabella Cook and Jaden Whitman at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) and showcased products at the CFA Cat Show, reinforcing our commitment to equestrian and pet markets.
- Year-End Review: Reflecting on a year of progress, the launch of new products, industry certifications, and participation in major events, IND HEMP looks forward to an even bigger 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we move into 2025, IND HEMP is poised for even greater growth and innovation. From supporting legislative change to driving new product development, we remain committed to shaping a sustainable future through hemp. Thank you to our team, partners, and community for being part of this incredible journey. We could not be happier about our progress, and we could not be happier with our team and the support we have around us. Here’s to 2025!
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