Skip to main content

Hemp was supposed to save Texas farmers during a drought. It hasn’t yet.

Hemp advocates promised the Texas Legislature the crop was drought resistant. The 2022 drought has proven otherwise. And farmers are abandoning the nascent market.

Kyle Bingham in his hemp crop at Bingham Family Vineyards on Aug. 29, 2022, in Terry County.

Without water

A center pivot waters the hemp crop at Bingham Family Vineyards on Aug. 26, 2022, in Terry County.

Farmers looked to hemp as “a lifeline”

A portion of the hemp crop at Bingham Family Vineyards on Aug. 26, 2022, in Terry County.

Waning interest in the crop

The sun sets behind the hemp crop at Bingham Family Vineyards on Aug. 26, 2022, in Terry County.

Wait! We need your help.

DONATE NOW

Explore related story topics

Environment Marijuana Texas Legislature