By Clint Thompson
Hemp applications are currently being accepted for Alabama producers, with the final day to apply set for Jan. 15, 2024, at 5 p.m. (CST).
Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, discussed what can be expected from hemp production in the state next year.
“We’re probably going to see the same consistent growers we’ve seen the last year or two. There will be about 50 to 60 licensed growers but only about 30 that are really active in the program, still producing and making good product. We’ve gone down, a huge, huge factor since 2020 or 2021, when it just exploded,” Kesheimer said. “We’ve also seen more people growing into fiber this year. I think it’s finally taken off like we thought it was going to.
“With the research now in different varieties and availability and genetics and the processing facility in Montgomery, I think we’re going to see that shift we’ve talked about for a few years now.”
Background
The hemp industry began in 2019 after the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 declassified hemp as a schedule I drug and classified it as an agriculture commodity. Growers have quickly learned how challenging of a process it is to produce hemp every year.
“I think it’s made people realize that this is not an easy crop. If they’re going to grow it, they have to be serious about it, and they have to have the labor and equipment and have it in some sort of protected environment, whether it’s a high tunnel or greenhouse, a hoop house or something similar,” Kesheimer said. “Or if they’re growing outdoors, they need to have small acres so they can really take care of it and scout it on a regular basis.”