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n w o r g e m Ho
s s e n good n farms behind Discover two family-rur readers’ favorite local products some of ou By SINCLAIR HO
Rocky River Hemp n 2018, Chapel Hill native Samuel Brownfield, his wife Katie Brownfield and their son Miles Brownfield
decided it was time for a change. The family left Los Angeles, where Samuel had worked as a cinematographer, and made the cross-country trek back to North Carolina to start their very own hemp farm. The only hitch? “We had no idea what we were doing,” Samuel laughs. “It was totally insane.” The family landed on a property they now share with Samuel’s father, Rick Brownfield, located between Pittsboro and Sanford. While neither father nor son had an agricultural background, the pair began laying the foundation of a farm. Little by little, they deepened their knowledge of hemp, learning about proper drainage, soil nutrients, propagation and more. “We really just had to put one foot in front of the other,” Samuel recalls. That first year, they harvested 144 plants. Today, that number has grown to several thousand. As his confidence grew, so did Samuel’s curiosity. He began experimenting with extraction techniques in his kitchen. After lots of trial and error, Rocky River Hemp’s first two 70
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products emerged: “CBD MCT Oil Infusion” and organic as part of an effort to be responsible “Relief Salve.” The reviews poured in, glowing environmental stewards. “We’re named Rocky with praise, and those early experiments became River Hemp because there’s a little stream that a full line of handmade CBD products. runs under our field that goes to the Rocky Today, Rocky River Hemp offers gummies, River,” he says. “We have a responsibility oils, salves and more. They even cater to fourfor what we put on the ground, because that legged friends with products like the ultimately cycles through.” “Bacon Boost,” a favorite of Samuel’s Looking ahead, a new side of 14-year-old German shepherd. The the business is growing: Rocky goal behind every item is simple: River Hemp recently partnered improving the quality of life for with Chapel Hill’s Boro Beverage customers. Many are individuals Company to develop “Kühlt,” We had no managing chronic pain, insomnia or a cannabis-infused kombucha. idea what we anxiety and Rocky River Hemp has The beverage has quickly gained were doing. been a lifeline for relief. popularity, appearing in bars It was totally Reducing the lingering stigma across Chapel Hill and Carrboro, insane. around hemp is another key element with plans for a Rocky River – Samuel Brownfield of Samuel’s mission. “It doesn’t have seltzer also underway. to be a counterculture, weird outlaw Days on the farm can bring thing,” he explains. “Hemp challenges, but Samuel finds helps everyone; it’s just another immense reward in the heartfelt tool in the wellness toolbox for feedback from customers. “The most people who need it.” rewarding parts are the emails I get randomly,” Samuel is also focused on making a he says. “I’ll forward them to my dad and Katie difference for the land where the hemp is if we’re having a bad day. This is why we do this, grown. In 2020, the farm went completely it keeps us going.”
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024