The versatility of hemp extends beyond the many industrial uses or components of the plant. Hemp is a nutritious food that is not only a desirable for humans, but is a superior option to corn or soy ingredients for horses as well.

The Seeds

Hemp seeds, found in the hemp plant after the flowers die off, are packed with nutrition. High in protein and healthy fats, the seeds contain several other benefits including calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, Vitamin E and Vitamin A.

Humans and horses alike need healthy fatty acids that can only be found in food. These fatty acids cannot be produced in the body and must be consumed. For humans and horses, hemp oil contains a healthy balance of omega-6 to omega-3; if horses consume enough omega-3, however, their bodies can produce the other fatty acids they need.

The Oil

Along with hemp seeds, hemp oil also contains many benefits. The essential fatty acids are also found in hemp oil as the oil is derived from hemp seeds. Beyond these fatty acids, hemp oil also supports healthy skin and improves existing skin conditions. Humans and horses alike can benefit from the moisturizing qualities hemp oil offers.

Gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, is also found in hemp oil. This is an uncommon compound to find in food, and other food sources such as corn and soy do not contain it. Helpful for humans and horses, GLA is anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting, immune system-supporting, and helps with insulin resistance.

The Protein

Hemp protein is found in the seeds of the hemp plant, or in protein powder made from the seeds. One ounce of hemp seed contains 9.2 grams of protein. All 10 essential amino acids are present, making hemp protein a great protein option for humans and for horses. For horses, consuming these 10 amino acids means their bodies can produce

When horses are fed hemp, they are provided with a variety of nutrients and health benefits. Whether the horses are being fed hemp oil, hemp seeds, or hemp protein, they are gaining healthy fats, nutrients, and essential fatty acids.

One benefit hemp oil provides is moisturizing qualities; it improves the skin health of horses. Hemp oil helps the skin to be healthy, nourished, and healing to skin conditions that may be present.

Along with benefiting the skin, hemp oil also improves the coat of the horse, namely through the essential fatty acids it contains. These fatty acids are essential and must be obtained by a food source. With the healthy balance of omega-6 and omega-3 that hemp products provide, horses’ coat luster is improved.

Because hemp contains healthy fats and protein, hemp products also help horses with digestion. When fed to horses in conjunction with fiber, the components of hemp even help with passing manure.

Another key benefit of hemp oil is the gamma linolenic acid (GLA) it contains, which benefits horses’ insulin, metabolism, inflammatory response, and promotes healthy brain functioning. It improves joint function and resiliency along with hoof health, leading to a healthier horse.

Not only beneficial in terms of providing nutrients to horses, hemp products have been shown to aid in producing offspring. Hemp products increase sperm quality in stallions. For pregnant horses, hemp may aid in creating a stronger immune system in the foal. For mares that are not pregnant, hemp may help in regulating the estrus cycle.

For horses with pre-existing conditions, hemp product can be helpful. Hemp seeds provide horses with a healthy option to increase calories without the concern of laminitis in insulin resistant horses. Improving circulation, brain function, and digestion, hemp seeds contain benefits that aid horses’ muscles and joints.

Another hemp product great for horses is hemp protein. One ounce of he

What is Hemp?

Cannabis sativa L. is the genus of plant for both hemp and marijuana. Hemp is used for many industrial purposes, including grain, fiber, oil, and CBD, while marijuana is used medicinally and recreationally. 

Does Hemp Contain THC?

The hemp plant contains extremely low levels of THC, or delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the component of marijuana that makes humans, and animals, high. The amount of THC detected in hemp is so low (less than 0.3 percent) that it eliminates any possibility of psychoactive effects from consuming hemp product.

Difference Between Marijuana and Hemp

Marijuana, within the same genus of plant as hemp, contains THC. Because of this, it is used for certain medical conditions as well as for recreation and for its psychoactive properties. The THC in marijuana will result in the consumer becoming high. While similar in name to the hemp plant, the components of marijuana differ.

What is CBD?

Cannabinoids, or CBDs, are found in the hemp plant. CBD is used medicinally for several conditions ranging from seizures to anxiety. Found in the leaves and buds of the hemp plant, CBD is a useful component of hemp that cannot make the consumer high. While CBD is the common name for these beneficial components, there are over 100 cannabinoids in hemp.

Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system, found in all mammals, is the system that allows the body to signal the brain and process cannabinoids. This system allows cannabinoids to help with many conditions including anxiety, cognition and memory.

The Perfect Balance of Omegas

Hemp contains healthy fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. The seeds from the hemp plant provide these fatty acids, so to obtain these specific benefits it is necessary to eat hemp seeds, or to consume a derivative product

When it comes to spacing out fence posts, there is an easy way (eyeball it and guess) and there is a better way. In the article below we explain what a rod measurement is and how far apart you should space fence posts.

What Is a "Rod" Measurement In Fencing?

On the American prairie where fences were constructed of posts and wire, farmers would place fence posts a "rod" (16.5 feet) apart.

In addition to being about the right distance to support a wire fence, this helped early farmers and ranchers quickly estimate the number of posts needed (80 rods is a quarter mile).

Using a "rod" layout as unit of measurement was also useful when plowing a field.

By spacing posts a rod apart, the farmer had permanent markers to use when setting uplands. Farmers took great pride in being able to plow a straight furrow.

A quicker/easier method of fencing a property could involve electric fencing. Find out more here.

If the field was level, the farmer could use the post on the far side of the field to site to when breaking out new land.

How Far Apart Should Fence Posts Be?

Fence posts are still commonly spaced a rod apart, 16.5 feet, and barbed wire still comes in "80 rod spools" (this is important when estimating cost)--so when you go into to talk about

Get out and get to work! When it comes to fencing that’s a good place to start. With a little sweat equity, fencing sets boundaries. It keeps animals in and predators out. It can encompass entire ranches or just protect the vegetable patch in the backyard. Whatever it’s needed for, fencing has many uses. That’s why in our Fencing Section we make it easy and break it down for you.

In this guide, we’ll answer questions like what type of fence is best for your animals while explaining what tools you’ll need to get the job done. And, we’ll tackle topics such as spacing and cost. It’s more doable than you think. You’ve got this and we can help.

High tensile fencing products are stronger, lighter, longer lasting, and they cost less. Traditionally, low carbon barbed wire has a breaking strength of around 950 pounds.

Video Transcription

Hi everybody. My name's Keith Taylor with Bekaert Corporation. I've been with Bekaert for about 28 years, and we're here partnered with North 40 Outfitters.

What is the difference between low carbon fencing products and high tensile fencing products?

Low Carbon Fencing and High Tensile Fencing Product