Industry excitement around industrial hemp was on full display Wednesday at Lincoln University's Hemp Field Day. Research is thriving, farmers are interested, and processing facilities are looking to expand. Lincoln's Hemp Institute, a national leader in industrial hemp research, is helping lead the way.
Babu Valliyodan, director of Lincoln's Hemp Institute, provided an update on research so far, which is primarily focused on determining what types of hemp grow best in Missouri and in different conditions. Research also involves developing crop management practices and standard operating procedures for farmers.
"We are strong with corn, we are strong with soybeans, but this would be an additional crop for the Missouri farmers," he said. "In five years, I'm sure that especially the fiber hemp will be more prominent. So that's a lot of excitement."
The institute was formed about three years ago, putting Missouri at the cutting edge of industry development. It operates out of Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and Research, part of the university's 1890 land grant designation.
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