Video Library

Texas Hemp Is Under Attack: The Fight to Save an Entire Industry

What is really happening to Texas businesses—and why could Texas become a blueprint for the future of an entire American industry? In this episode of the Hemp Highway, we sit down with Lucas Gilkey of Hometown Hero and Cynthia Cabrera of the Texas Hemp Business Council for an in-depth conversation about regulation, legislation, business strategy, advocacy, and the rapidly changing landscape in Texas. Lucas and Cynthia share the history of their businesses, the regulatory battles they've faced, and what it takes to operate in an industry where the rules can change overnight. They also break down the importance of relationships in government affairs, the difference between activism and lobbying, and why organized industry representation matters. The conversation goes deep into the current Texas landscape, including the economic impact of the industry, the role of small businesses, licensing and regulatory proposals, proposed product limitations, and the potential consequences of policies that could affect farmers, retailers, manufacturers, laboratories, and other parts of the supply chain. We also discuss why unity and strategy may be critical to the industry's future, how Texas could serve as a model for other states, and what businesses can do to become more informed and involved in the political process. The episode ultimately ends on a positive note: despite the challenges ahead, the guests believe the Texas business community is resilient, organized, and capable of continuing to build something significant. In this episode: The history of Hometown Hero How Texas regulations have evolved Building effective government relationships Activism vs. lobbying The importance of industry associations The economic impact of the Texas market Small business and entrepreneurship Proposed regulations and product limitations The impact of regulation on the broader supply chain Why industry unity matters Texas as a potential national blueprint The future of the industry What business owners can do to get involved Guests: Lucas Gilkey — Hometown Hero Cynthia Cabrera — Texas Hemp Business Council 00:00 Intro: The Fight in Texas 00:42 Meet Lucas Gilkey & Cynthia Cabrera 01:00 The Story Behind Hometown Hero 02:53 The First Major Legislative Battle 03:37 The Lawsuit That Changed Everything 04:25 The Article That Put Texas on the Map 05:08 A Fight That's Been Going On for Years 06:12 Bringing Cynthia Into the Fight 07:21 Cynthia's Background in Government Affairs 08:57 Lessons From the Vape Industry 10:16 How to Get a Seat at the Table 11:05 Activism vs. Lobbying 12:17 Why Industry Leadership Matters 13:26 Why the Texas Hemp Business Council Was Created 14:36 Where Do Texas Brands Stand Today? 15:50 Why Businesses Have to Get Involved 17:09 Why Some Companies Stay Out of Politics 18:04 Knowing Who You're Supporting 20:34 The Current State of the Fight 21:34 Making Political Decisions Based on Priorities 23:42 The Economic Impact on Texas 25:04 How Big Is the Texas Market? 25:51 Who Is Fighting Against the Industry? 27:01 Understanding the Power of the Texas Senate 29:16 How Texas Politics Actually Works 30:31 Political Pressure & Legislative Priorities 32:32 Who Is Really Opposing the Industry? 34:00 Competing Industry Models 37:05 Regulation, Product Quality & Consumer Choice 39:22 The “Loophole” Debate 41:49 Why Texas Could Become a National Model 43:13 Why the Texas Model Has Worked 44:07 The Texas Mindset 46:01 Why Texans Keep Fighting 47:56 Freedom, Choice & Regulation 49:07 How Regulation Can Limit Consumer Choice 51:58 Myth #1: Product Limits 54:20 Who Benefits From Product Limits? 55:20 The Minnesota Example 56:20 Do Product Limits Actually Protect Consumers? 58:15 Myth #2: Higher Licensing Fees 59:33 Who Actually Pays for Higher Fees? 60:31 Myth #3: More Taxes 68:01 The Impact on Farmers & the Supply Chain 69:55 The Beverage-Only Debate 71:27 Why Protecting the Entire Industry Matters 73:40 The Size of the Texas Opportunity 75:25 The American Dream & Small Business 77:00 Can Texas Become a National Blueprint? 77:53 The Biggest Threat: Lack of Unity 78:27 Strategy Over Performative Politics 86:09 The Federal Strategy 87:17 Why Track Record Matters 87:47 “Leave It All on the Field” 88:10 Changing Minds Across the Industry 94:12 Building Better Teams in Other States 94:54 Everyone Has a Role to Play 95:37 A Positive Outlook for Texas 96:19 How to Get Involved 96:32 Texas Growers Podcast 96:43 Grow World & The Hemp Highway 97:13 Final Thoughts

The Last Days of One of Texas' Largest Indoor Farms

What happens when decades of farming experience collide with rapidly changing regulations? In this episode, we visit Caprock Family Farms in Lubbock, Texas, during one of the most pivotal moments in the company's history. Once one of the state's largest indoor farming operations, the facility is being dismantled after years of investment, innovation, and hard work. Join us as Brett, Zach, Kyle, and Anne Gogger share the story behind their family's journey—from traditional Texas agriculture to building a state-of-the-art controlled-environment farm. Along the way, industry experts from Rhythm and Organitek discuss: • Scaling irrigation and fertigation systems • Designing efficient environmental controls • Common mistakes when expanding indoor facilities • Crop health and integrated pest management strategies • Automation and labor efficiency • Lessons learned from building a commercial operation from scratch More than a facility tour, this episode is about resilience, entrepreneurship, and the determination of multi-generational farmers adapting to an evolving agricultural landscape. Whether you're interested in commercial farming, greenhouse technology, controlled-environment agriculture, irrigation design, automation, or family farming, this episode offers valuable insights from people who have lived it. Subscribe for more tours, expert interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at innovative agricultural operations around the world. 00:00 The Final Days of Caprock Family Farms 00:25 A Family Farm Built Over Generations 01:39 Inside the Empty Mother Room 02:38 Why the Facility Is Empty 03:05 Irrigation System Walkthrough 03:47 Lessons from Early Irrigation Mistakes 04:40 Preparing the Next Production Cycle 05:29 Scaling Challenges & Professional Advice 06:25 Crop Health & Pest Management 08:44 A Multi-Generation Farming Legacy 09:10 Drying, Curing & Post-Harvest Process 10:12 Market Demand & Business Outlook 11:10 Roundtable Discussion with the Team 13:38 The Future of Texas Farming

Texas Hemp - The New Cali?

Grow World

The Hemp Highway begins in Texas. In the very first episode of the Hemp Highway Tour, Colton sits down with industry veteran Jeff Funk, founder of Organitek Success Nutrients, flower republic and Yeti Control, for an in-depth conversation about agriculture, controlled environment cultivation, entrepreneurship, and the massive opportunities emerging in Texas. With decades of experience spanning California, Hawaii, and beyond, Jeff shares stories from the early days of specialty crop production, lessons learned from market booms and downturns, and how modern growers can leverage innovation, automation, and sustainable farming practices to stay competitive. Topics covered include: ✅ Texas agriculture and emerging market opportunities ✅ Lessons from California's agricultural evolution ✅ Premium product positioning and pricing strategies ✅ Indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor production systems ✅ Automation, nutrient management, and cultivation technology ✅ Sustainable farming practices and aquaponics ✅ Legacy farming families and the future of agriculture ✅ Building successful agricultural businesses ✅ Why customer service and partnerships matter more than ever This episode is packed with practical insights for growers, farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future of controlled environment agriculture. Subscribe and follow along as the Hemp Highway Tour travels across Texas meeting the growers, innovators, and operators shaping the future of the industry. 00:00 Introduction 00:10 Welcome to the First Hemp Highway Stop 00:38 Jeff Funk's Background & Early Growing Experience 01:26 Hawaii, Outdoor Cultivation & Natural Farming 02:25 California's Emerald Triangle Years 04:20 Similarities Between Texas and Early California Markets 05:20 Legacy Experience vs. Modern Thinking 07:44 Market Pricing, Premium Products & Profitability 10:02 California Legalization and Market Changes 12:25 Holding the Line on Product Value 15:44 Texas Pricing, Branding & Retail Strategy 17:35 Direct-to-Consumer Opportunities 19:11 California Wine vs. Texas Agriculture Opportunity 20:57 Why Texas Is One of the Biggest Opportunities Today 21:39 Outdoor Production, Climate & Energy Costs 23:23 Aquaponics, Sustainability & Education 25:21 Texas First Impressions 26:30 Organitek: Philosophy & Product Development 29:47 The Evolution of Organitech, Success & Yeti Control 36:18 Why Customer Service Matters in Agriculture 37:54 Building Long-Term Partnerships with Growers 39:12 Nutrient Strategies & Specialty Crop Production 42:18 Consumer Education & Product Experience 45:45 The Texas Agricultural Movement 47:01 Bridging Traditional Agriculture and Emerging Crops 49:20 Saving Family Farms Through Diversification 50:56 The Role of the Texas Department of Agriculture 52:56 Building Careers in Agriculture 53:25 Innovation, Research & Future Production Methods 54:23 Final Thoughts and Tour Kickoff 55:02 What's Next on the Hemp Highway Tour 55:15 Closing Remarks & Outro