SOMERS — Bryan Andrews has been farming so long he knows the earth, seeds and produce as if they are a part of his DNA.
He is so adept at it that he can quickly tell a female plant from a male on sight and knows when and how to use them.
He has a passion for everything natural — no pesticides nor herbicides for him.
After years of growing organic vegetables, large pumpkins and watermelons and raising a variety of farm animals including turkeys, Andrews, owner of a five-acre farm at 7616 38th St., has chosen to diversify into hemp.
Though Andrews calls his acreage a hobby farm, he is quickly converting it from an avocation into a new vocation — growing hemp, processing it and marketing cannabinoid (CBD) products.
CBD is a class of chemical compound that acts on cannabinoid receptors in the body that are part of the endocannaboid system found in the cells. They trigger neurotransmitter release in the brain.
People are also reading…
CBD oil is a product that’s derived from cannabis. Even though it comes from marijuana plants, CBD doesn’t create a “high” effect or any form of intoxication — that’s caused by another cannabinoid, known as THC.
According to HealthLine, a health research service, there’s growing awareness about the possible health benefits of CBD oil, including the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression, acne and seizures.
Andrews began his new venture shortly after the Wisconsin Department Revenue made it legal to grow two years ago.
“A friend told me about it,” he said. After learning that he could grow it, he attended a seminar for prospective growers at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
After producing food for years, he wanted to grow something that could help people overcome some of their pain.
His first crop, one he grew on two acres, was bountifully successful. And he currently is growing seedlings under lights in a greenhouse. He grew 1,200 plants in the field.
During the growing season, he was so attentive that he ensured they would be well watered and that they were not being attacked by pests.
Describing himself as an athlete who enjoys the outdoors, Andrews carefully monitored his new crop.
“I’d ride my bicycle along the rows to check on my plants. That may sound a little funny, but it was exercise and a way to look at each plant,” he explained.
As a do-it-yourself person who likes taking on all aspects of a project, Andrew’s plants went from field to processing room and laboratory. There he ground and pressed the buds, seeds and byproduct to produce oil, powder, creams and other CBD products.
While he still produces other crops on the farm, his “hobby” farm business that he operates with his sister, Cindi Romanovic, has become Midwest CBD/Kenosha.
“Andrews works the farm, doing the growing, and I operate the store,” said Romanovic, who serves as the company’s executive vice president.
Midwest CBD sells Indica and Sativa CBD oil, roll-up joints, tea bags, CBD soap, lip balm, a body balm stick, capsules and pet options.
Andrews has also maintained a career as a silt erosion expert who has helped other farmers preserve their precious land. That company operates on the same property under the Silt Fencing Midwest name.
Since venturing into hemp, Andrews said he is looking forward to another good crop in 2020. He has invested into more processing equipment and with sister, Cindi wants to expand the sales end of the business.
For more information, contact Midwest CBD/Kenosha at: www.mwcbdkenosha.com
Photos: Classic cars seen at local shows
SIMMONS BLOCK PARTY

Simmons Island Block Party
Noah Muniz, 5, gets help from his grandfather, Chuck LeMay, while checking out a 1972 Hornet Wagon in front of the Kenosha History Center during the Simmons Summer Kickoff Block Party on Saturday. The event, shortened by rain, featured American Motor Co. and other classic cars as well as food vendors.
Harris and Hudson with Matt

Dan Harris shares his love of classic cars with his son, Matt; seen here examining the engine of a Hudson.
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

Smart dog: Bowie, owned by James Bradmon, takes advantage of the shade underneath a classic car to escape the heat during the Father’s Day Kenosha Car Show, hosted by Vintage Auto Group and Kenosha Classic Street Machines, at Baker Park on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

‘I like it hot, like today,” said Manuel Palos, Sr., left, as he and his son Manuel Palos, Jr., right, viewed a 1969 Dodge Super Bee. “It’s good to spend time with dad in the morning,” said Palos, Jr. The pair were at the Father’s Day Kenosha Car Show, hosted by Vintage Auto Group and Kenosha Classic Street Machines, at Baker Park on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

You can’t go wrong (especially in Kenosha) taking your dad to the Father’s Day Car Show in Baker Park, where you’ll see classic cars like this 1959 Edsel Corsair, owned by Tony Ammendola.
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

Pete Foley, right, stays out of the sun underneath an umbrella with his 1938 Chevy coupe, painted with flames in a “laser red” metallic pearl during the hot Father’s Day Kenosha Car Show, hosted by Vintage Auto Group and Kenosha Classic Street Machines, at Baker Park on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

Another vehicle arrives for the Father’s Day Kenosha Car Show, hosted by Vintage Auto Group and Kenosha Classic Street Machines, at Baker Park on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

“It’s pretty cool. You don’t get to see cars like this every day. It’s just a cool experience to see the cars,’ said Joseph White, left, as he takes a photo of a 1930 Ford Model A truck owned by Rick Colp of Pleasant Prairie that’s reflected in the paint job of 1965 Pontiac GTO, right, owned by Jerry Chapman. Father’s Day Kenosha Car Show, hosted by Vintage Auto Group and Kenosha Classic Street Machines, at Baker Park on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

Roy Scuffham grabs some cold water out of the trunk of his 1969 GTO, “The Judge.”
duringFather’s Day Kenosha Car Show, hosted by Vintage Auto Group and Kenosha Classic Street Machines, at Baker Park on Sunday, June 17, 2018. Scuffham got the car in 1980 and replaced it’s bent frame with another from a 1969 LeMans that he had on hand. “It keeps me out of the bars and out of trouble. The wife knew where I was,” said Scuffham
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

‘I like it hot, like today,” said Manuel Palos Sr., above left, as he and his son Manuel Palos Jr., right, view a 1969 Dodge Super Bee. “It’s good to spend time with dad in the morning,” said Palos, Jr.
The pair were at the Father’s Day Kenosha Car Show, hosted by Vintage Auto Group and Kenosha Classic Street Machines, at Baker Park on Sunday, June 17, 2018.
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK
CAR SHOW BAKER PARK

Steve Andersen, right, drove his 1973 Cadillac hearse to the 2018 Father’s Day Kenosha Car Show in Baker Park. The show is back for 2022.
WOUNDED WARRIOR CAR SHOW

Car enthusiasts walk through rows of classic cars during the annual car show fundraiser to benefit severely wounded soldiers. This year’s event is Sunday on Simmons Island.
WOUNDED WARRIOR CAR SHOW
CAR SHOW

Terry Brittingham brought his 1930 Ford to the 2017 Kenosha Classic Cruise-in car show. This year’s show is Sept. 3.
CAR SHOW

Dennis Spitz, front, gets help moving his 410 wind sprint car from his son, Kris, for the Kenosha Classic Cruise-in Car Show downtown on Saturday.
RODS FOR A REASON CAR SHOW

Auto enthusiasts look at classic cars during the Rods for a Reason car show at Petrifying Springs Park on July 9. Proceeds from the event will go to fund requests to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin from the Kenosha and Racine communities.
RODS FOR A REASON CAR SHOW

Auto enthusiasts look at classic cars during the Rods for a Reason car show at Petrifying Springs Park on Sunday, July 9, 2017.