July 18, 2019 – August 8, 2019 Thursdays 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Contact: Heidi Lindberg, 616-994-4701, wollaege@msu.edu
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is cannabis cultivated to produce fiber, grain, biomass, or non-intoxicating medicinal compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD). As defined by law, industrial hemp has less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component in marijuana. Though Cannabis classified as industrial hemp does not contain the psychoactive component, it became illegal in 1957. While the Michigan Legislature removed industrial hemp from the definition of marijuana in 2014, there were other challenges to its legalization, regulation, and licensing in Michigan.
Recently, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of industrial hemp in all 50 states. Therefore, many field crop farms and greenhouse and nursery producers are now looking at industrial hemp as a new opportunity for their businesses. Join Michigan State University Extension for a webinar series to cover the basics of growing industrial hemp and considerations for growers considering entering the industry of this burgeoning crop. Each webinar will last 60 minutes and will leave time for speakers to take questions and answers from registrants.
Highlights of the Webinar Series
- Learn how industrial hemp varieties are different from other Cannabis
- Learn about the new opportunity to grow industrial hemp in the greenhouse
- Learn about growing requirements and pest management
- Learn how to navigate the business aspects, including crop insurance of growing industrial hemp in the greenhouse
- Learn about the next steps and how to begin producing hemp in Michigan how industrial hemp
Webinars
July 18, 2019: Hemp: Varieties, Production Strategies, and Growing Requirements
Lynn Griffith, Tropical Plant and Soil Expert
This webinar will cover the various forms of hemp in production, indoor vs. field production strategies, propagation, media and soils, and environmental and day length requirements, including growth stages for indoor production.
July 25, 2019: Insect and Mite Pests of Industrial Hemp
Dr. Raymond Cloyd, Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist, Kansas State U.
This webinar will initially discuss the major insect and mite pests of hemp including chewers, suckers, and borers. Then, the webinar will address the plant protection strategies than can be implemented to manage insect and mite pests of industrial hemp including cultural, pesticides, and biological.
August 1, 2019: Business Considerations in the Industrial Hemp Industry
Jody Yarbrough, CPA, Savant CFO
The webinar will cover how business owners can protect their current business and their new venture. Learn about the basics of accounting and tax compliance, workers comp, and crop insurance in the industrial hemp industry.
August 8, 2019: Next Steps: Considerations for Hemp Production
Dr. Allison Justice, Owner of SC Botanicals and The Hemp Mine
Eric Anderson, Field Crops Educator, MSU Extension
During the final webinar in the series, Dr. Justice will provide information for those considering changing from ornamental production to industrial hemp production, its potential profits, and yields. She will also briefly explore the process of CBD extraction and oil. Eric Anderson will provide information specific to Michigan for growers considering growing industrial hemp; he will cover recent changes in regulation and how to register with the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture for a license.
Cost for the webinar series: $20
All webinars will be recorded and available to registrants for 1 year after the conclusion of the webinar series, after which they will be archived on the MSU Hemp website.
