The signing of the Illinois Hemp Bill has provided opportunities for the cultivation, distribution, and processing of hemp for fiber, grain, and CBD. This versatile crop has the potential to empower small farmers to revitalize farming communities.

Illinois Extension is offering a workshop to learn the basics of industrial hemp on Thursday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with lunch to follow. The event will take place at the Clark County Extension Office in Marshall for the cost of $10 per person.

Tentative Schedule:

• 9:00-9:30      Intro & Basics of Hemp by Phillip Alberti, Extension Commercial Ag Educator
• 9:30-10:30    Industrial Hemp, What You Need to Know by Phillip Alberti, Extension Commercial Ag Educator
• 10:30-10:45  Questions and Break
• 10:45-11:45  Hemp Processing by Keith Botsch, Owner at Illuminant CBD in Carmi, IL
• 11:45-12:30  Farmer Panel with current producers