How to Grow Hemp

I received an interesting question this week from my friend Paul.  He was thinking about growing hemp next year and asked my thoughts.  We normally compare notes on growing garlic, so this was definitely out of my realm of knowledge.  I wanted to know more.  ​

Wisconsin law was changed as of December 31, 2017 to allow farmers to grow industrial hemp.  According to an August 10, 2018  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article industrial hemp is a cousin to marijuana but includes only a trace of what makes people high.  The same article stated that a 2015 federal law allows universities and state agricultural departs to work with farmers to research growing hemp.  If you are potentially interested in this crop, now is the time to explore the possibilities.  

The Wisconsin Department of Agricultural, Trade and Consumer Protection states that:  The licensing application period for the 2019 growing season will be open from November 1 through December 31, 2018.  Downloadable application forms and an online application option will be available here beginning November 1. If you sign up to receive updates (at right),  you will receive an email letting you know when the materials are available.
https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/IndustrialHemp.aspx 

Other sites that may help your research: 

• ​http://thesoyreport.blogspot.com/2017/12/industrial-hemp-in-wisconsin-first-steps.html
• ​http://ipcm.wisc.edu/blog/2018/02/wisconsin-industrial-hemp-production-faq-guide/
• https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2018/08/10/hemp-back-wisconsin-but-optimism-comes-challenge-new-market/919100002/