By Clint Thompson
Alabama hemp meetings begin next week across the state. Katelyn Kesheimer, Auburn University assistant professor and Extension specialist, talked about the state of the industry.
“We’re in the process of the medical marijuana license application period. I think that’s going to change the landscape a little bit. A lot of hemp growers got into it to learn and get their feet wet and apply for these medical licenses that they knew were coming,” Kesheimer said. “I think we may see a little bit less of those hemp people, if they were thinking about switching to medical, and probably some more acreage on the fiber side. I think we’re going to see a slow but steady increase over the coming years as more information is available.”
She also discussed the progress her research has made.
“I think we’re learning some things about plant response to the environment and inputs. I will be graduating two graduate students this spring who have been working on hemp for two years. We’ll know even more once they finish up soon,” Kesheimer said.
The meetings will cover the 2023 hemp season with changes to hemp rules, requirements licensees must meet and procedures and deadlines. There will also be information on hemp budgets and tips for a successful growing season.
Registration for the Alabama hemp meetings is free but required for attendance. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon in Headland, Alabama.
Click here to find additional information about the Alabama hemp meetings.
For more information on industrial hemp in Alabama, visit the Alabama Industrial Hemp Program web page at www.aces.edu.