Alabama producers interested in growing hemp in 2023 should be aware that permits are only available between Oct. 11 and Nov. 30. Any production or cultivation of hemp without a grower’s permit acquired from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is deemed illegal. Hemp is a large herbaceous plant that is grown industrially for seed, fiber and flower. …
Alabama Hemp Production: Eye-Opening Experience for Producers This Year
By Clint Thompson Hot temperatures combined with a prolonged drought created less-than-ideal conditions for Alabama hemp production this year. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, said it has been an eye-opening experience for growers. “What’s definitely been eye-opening for producers is how much time and energy goes into getting a successful plant; not even a crop, just …
Weather Conditions ‘Not Ideal’ for Alabama Hemp
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp production wilted under the stress of prolonged dry conditions combined with extremely high temperatures. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, said the “timing wasn’t ideal.” Plants were being put into the ground right as weather conditions worsened across the region. “There’s been quite a bit of plant mortality, transplant shock, that sort …
Alabama Hemp Production: Rain Needed to Get Started
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp acreage is expected to decrease this season. That’s if growers feel comfortable enough to plant a crop amid the current hot and dry conditions. It is quite the contrast to last year’s conditions, says Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist. “I think I talked to you a year ago and it was …
Hot and Dry Conditions in Alabama
By Clint Thompson Alabama specialty crops that are planted are in desperate need of water. It may be a while before that happens and it concerns Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist. “The crops that are in the ground, like corn, they’re thirsty. It’s also impacting weed control,” Kesheimer said. “There’s no rain to activate the (pre-emergence …
Rainfall Creates Planting Delays in Alabama
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall last week in Alabama created planting delays in some specialty crops, says Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist. Planting delays are especially true with hemp and sweet corn. “We’re still on the early side of (hemp) planting, so I don’t think it’s going to affect too many growers. But in terms of …
Hemp Production: Know Your End Game
By Clint Thompson Alabama hemp producers need to understand the risks of growing hemp before they begin planting. It starts with knowing what you’re going to do with the product following harvest. It is a point that Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, still emphasizes to growers. “What are they going to do with their crop at …
Reminder: Alabama Hemp Meetings to be Held in January
Alabama Extension reminds those interested that hemp licensee orientation meetings will be held at five separate locations in January 2022. The meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and will provide an overview of the 2022 hemp season with changes to the hemp rules, requirements licensees must adhere to, hemp budgets and other procedures and deadlines. Licensed growers, …
ACES to Host Hemp Licensee Meetings
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) will host five meetings in January for licensed hemp producers in advance of the 2022 season. Growers can choose one meeting to attend based on scheduling and availability. These meetings will replace the one normal mandatory meeting held in previous years. These meetings will cover regulations from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries …
Alabama Hemp Application Deadline is Nov. 29
Hemp applications remain available through Nov. 29 for Alabama farmers wishing to become a grower or a processor/handler for the 2022 growing season. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, encourages interested applicants not to waste time in completing the application process. “The Department of Ag only has so many people on staff and now they’re working on …