Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
It's a budding business but it could be growing too fast.
Even more farmers want to participate in North Dakota's industrial hemp pilot program. But the Department of Agriculture is concerned supply could outpace demand.
Just two months ago the seeds for hemp were planted. It's a rapidly growing crop that some are hoping will move at a steady pace in North Dakota.
Tracy Foy, Warner Farms, says, "It's pollinating the female plants so all these tall plants are the male, and these guys will die off once the small plant takes over."
Hemp plants are taking over this Pembina North Dakota farm. And it's a good thing.
"The hemp has been amazing. We planted on June first and have not done anything to the field but basically just watch it grow," says Foy.
Warner Farms is one of thirty five across the state participating in a pilot program.
A handful of interested farmers came out to Hemp Field Day, to learn if they too can get in on growing this green.
Rachel Spilde, Industrial Hemp Coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, says, "Expansion is definitely a possibility."
But "slow and steady" is what the department of ag is hoping for, to make sure supply doesn't outgrow demand.
"We do want to keep an eye on the market and make sure all of the grain we produce or the seed has got a place to go," says Spilde.
This is the second year for hemp growing in the state. Last year was anything but a bumper crop thanks to bad weather.
This year's looking better but don't be fooled by all the hemp is this field.
They're farming for edible seeds here, but those good seeds are hard to come by.
Burton Johnson, NDSU crop production agronomist, explains, "seedling mortality can be as high as 60, 70, 80% even under fairly good conditions."
Tracy Foy, says, "We have a month out yet before we harvest, so we are very excited to see the outcome at harvest."
If you're interested in growing hemp next year, you have to fill out an application with the Department of Agriculture. Those applications won't be available until after The United States Farm Bill passes.
A representative with the Department of Agriculture is confident that will happen in the coming weeks.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Hopes for hemp continue to grow in North Dakota | Agweek
Author: Ken Chase
Contact: Contact Us | Agweek
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Website: Agweek
Even more farmers want to participate in North Dakota's industrial hemp pilot program. But the Department of Agriculture is concerned supply could outpace demand.
Just two months ago the seeds for hemp were planted. It's a rapidly growing crop that some are hoping will move at a steady pace in North Dakota.
Tracy Foy, Warner Farms, says, "It's pollinating the female plants so all these tall plants are the male, and these guys will die off once the small plant takes over."
Hemp plants are taking over this Pembina North Dakota farm. And it's a good thing.
"The hemp has been amazing. We planted on June first and have not done anything to the field but basically just watch it grow," says Foy.
Warner Farms is one of thirty five across the state participating in a pilot program.
A handful of interested farmers came out to Hemp Field Day, to learn if they too can get in on growing this green.
Rachel Spilde, Industrial Hemp Coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, says, "Expansion is definitely a possibility."
But "slow and steady" is what the department of ag is hoping for, to make sure supply doesn't outgrow demand.
"We do want to keep an eye on the market and make sure all of the grain we produce or the seed has got a place to go," says Spilde.
This is the second year for hemp growing in the state. Last year was anything but a bumper crop thanks to bad weather.
This year's looking better but don't be fooled by all the hemp is this field.
They're farming for edible seeds here, but those good seeds are hard to come by.
Burton Johnson, NDSU crop production agronomist, explains, "seedling mortality can be as high as 60, 70, 80% even under fairly good conditions."
Tracy Foy, says, "We have a month out yet before we harvest, so we are very excited to see the outcome at harvest."
If you're interested in growing hemp next year, you have to fill out an application with the Department of Agriculture. Those applications won't be available until after The United States Farm Bill passes.
A representative with the Department of Agriculture is confident that will happen in the coming weeks.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Hopes for hemp continue to grow in North Dakota | Agweek
Author: Ken Chase
Contact: Contact Us | Agweek
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Website: Agweek
