MURPHYSBORO, Ill.— Nearly 50 residents gathered at the Jackson County U of I Extension office to learn more about the cultivation, distribution and processing of hemp for fiber, grain and cannabidiol (CBD).
Commercial Agriculture Extension Educator Phillip Alberti, who works out of the northwest Extension office in Freeport, drove the length of the state to meet with local growers to share information about this versatile cash crop. The workshop was the first of three Alberti presented to the southern portion of Illinois as the demand for information on hemp is increasing with the passing of the 2019 hemp bill. During the workshop, various production systems and planting methods were covered while addressing issues faced throughout last year’s growing season.
For those considering hemp production, field selection is important as planting should be done in well-drained soils that are highly productive yet contain low weed pressure as there are no registered herbicides or insecticides approved for hemp production. Growers should think about post-harvest strategies such as drying, storage and extraction. Harvesting methods will vary depending on if the grower is producing hemp for grain, fiber or CBD.
Alberti noted that there are currently no grain or fiber markets in Illinois and, while popular, CBD production is labor-intensive. When venturing into the hemp space, growers should consider the cost of seed, transport and labor. Alberti encouraged growers to do germination testing and use a reputable seed dealer.
Alberti discussed licensing, rules and regulations that are required to grow, process and distribute the product. When growing hemp for CBD, the plant should not reach full maturity as it must be harvested early to ensure the plant is below the legal threshold of .3% Delta9 THC levels. Growers must do their due diligence and take caution when growing hemp to ensure that it does not develop too much of the psychoactive chemical. Anything that tests over the .3% limit is considered illegal and is no longer viable. Growers must have a certificate of analysis (COA) to prove their product has been tested and falls within legal guidelines.
As growers and researchers are still navigating this market space that is new to Illinois, Alberti wants individuals to be informed. “There are those who get in early and those who get in smart.” For more information, visit go.illinois.edu/hemp for links to industrial hemp rules, regulations and permit applications for 2020.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of our programs, please contact your local county extension office. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.
News Source: Phillip Albertini, 815-235-4125, palberti@illinois.edu
News Writer: Heather Willis, 618-357-2126, hdwillis@illinois.edu