By Clint Thompson
Another hemp season is under way across Alabama. The same core group of about 75 producers are still invested in an industry that is still in its early stages of development across the Southeast region.
Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, said five different meetings in January generated questions among attendees. Growers voiced their concerns which were similar in nature. All hope to collaborate with people who have the industry’s best interests at heart.
“I think just making sure the market is stable and you have dedicated people that are interested in moving the whole crop and market forward,” Kesheimer said. “Make sure that you don’t have shady people who are putting out false contracts and selling bad genetics; making sure we have the right people making good decisions to further this industry.
“I think that’s the biggest concern, and everyone has their own individual concerns, whether it’s getting your paperwork in order or pest management. I think everyone just wants to see a much more uniformed and streamlined industry.”
Kesheimer expects acreage to stay comparable to last year. Farmers have reduced production in recent years, each growing at least an acre with some projected to produce as much as five to 10 acres.
For more information on industrial hemp in Alabama, visit the Alabama Industrial Hemp Program web page at www.aces.edu.