Helping hemp growers improve crop quality
Hemp, a non-psychoactive variety of Cannabis sativa L, has re-emerged as a popular crop after the 2018 Farm Bill granted hemp “crop status,” therefore removing it from the Drug Enforcement Administration list. It is sought after for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products including cosmetics, foods, fiber, building materials, biofuel and soil remediation.
Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station scientists developed research-based hemp production recommendations on variety selection, fertility management and integrated pest management for hemp grown for flower, grain and fiber. They held virtual hemp conferences in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to share the most recent relevant research on industrial hemp with more than 225 participants. At in-person field days in 2022 and 2023, the 372 attendees viewed test plots, learned about research results and participated in hands-on-learning. The scientists also posted hemp production advice on blogs and social media outlets including Facebook and Instagram. Overall, the results have been shared with more than 600 farmers.
Based on a survey of 327 farmers who participated in UVM hemp events, 72% gained new knowledge on managing pests and fertility, inspiring them to try new practices. The farmers also learned how to improve crop quality and market their hemp, which helped some participants gain new sales.
View the full statement on the NIDB.
Project supported by Hatch Multistate funds. Photo courtesy of the Vermont Agricultural Experiment Station.
