Debbie Custer is a Hemp innovator and grower from Botetourt County
Debbie Custer a Blue Ridge resident, has been an entrepreneur for many years. She was behind Quibell water back in the 80s. Later she undertook Sweet Springs in West Virginia. She has embarked on the growth, production and retail of Hemp. She is part of COEUS Research debbi@coeusresearch.net.
A day after the International Day of Women, we celebrate Custer and her innovation.
When The Botetourt Bee ran an article a few weeks ago about Farm Services Agency and USDA offering risk prevention in the Hemp Industry, Custer responded to The Bee.
She has a business in Vinton at 301 S. Pollard Street called The Hemp Mill, but she does grow Hemp in Botetourt County.
Matter of fact she is the first woman to be licensed to grow the product in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her license is number 4. She said, “I produce plants under blacklights and take them home to grow. Hemp production is an old art.” December was the time for her harvest in 2019. In colonial times Hemp was grown mainly for rope.
In 1937, Hemp production was outlawed and production in the United States ended at the repeal of Prohibition. “That included Marijuana,” said Custer. The State of Virginia notifies the Sheriff’s Dept of all those who have a license to grow Hemp. Maj. John Mandeville says they have 18 on record at the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office. “I am not sure if they all still grow, but we know where they all are by GPS coordinates.” The Code of Virginia allows the Dept. to inspect the fields if the Sheriff deems fit.
After many years, Hemp is back on the scene as an agricultural product. “The product cannot become ‘hot’ with THC for growers to be insured,” said Custer. “All of our Cannabinoids will not get you high. They are an excellent source of protein containing 30 grams of protein in three tablespoons of ground Hemp seeds,” she explained. Cannabinoids also help with pain management, anxiety and restless sleep. CBD oil has become a popular way for people to manage pain.
She also has scarves, coffee with hemp, mists, oils, creams and much more. The Hemp infused coffee was surprisingly good. One of her friends, Bonnie Cranmer is making paper with Hemp by-products. Custer is part of the group of producers known as Women in Hemp. One item she sells for Women in Hemp is ground hemp seed hearts as a health enhancement. (On a personal note, she recommended ground Hemp seed hearts to me as a Type-2 Diabetic to sprinkle on my food at each meal. In 10 days of use, my blood sugar has come down significantly.)
Custer believes the Hemp industry will continue to flourish in Botetourt County and Virginia.
Her hours of operation at The Hemp Mill are M-F 10-5. She has a Facebook Page, The Hemp Mill. And, internet orders can be made at www.orders@thehempmill.net.
