2016 producers discuss local hemp production

More than 150 farmers and their families turned out for the 2016 producers meeting held March 29 at the Nicholas County Livestock Barn.

Speaker for this year’s meeting was David Williams with the Industrial Hemp Research Program at U.K. Dept. of Plan and Soil Science.

Kentucky is the number one state in industrial hemp production in the U.S. today. We currently have four producers in Nicholas County with more interest growing in producing the crop for fibers or oils.

“It’s becoming more of a commodity versus and oddity,” stated Williams.

The group originated in Central Asia and China where there is a large industrial hemp industry. In Kentucky in the 1920s before cotton fabric came from flax, hemp was used to make rope here. Hemp and it’s close cousin marijuana did not become illegal until the 1970s under the Controlled Substance Act.

Industrial hemp can be harvested during summer and fall. It’s fibers are not only used for rope and cloth, but can also be used as a building material to strengthen concrete. Experiments are ongoing at the University of Kentucky to use it for animal bedding because of it’s high absorbency.

Hemp can also be grown for its grain. The seeds are eaten by both animals and humans.

The oil that it produces is also being researched. It’s being successfully tested and administered to children with severe seizures.

Many countries are experiencing trends of moving away from synthetic materials and returning to natural fibers again.

With the lead that Kentucky has in the industrial hemp field, central Kentucky could become the center of certified hemp seed production in the country, which according to Williams, could be a very valuable opportunity for local farmers.

Sunstrand in Louisville operates the only commercial hemp decortication facility in the U.S., producing biomaterials for industrial and technical applications. They have plans to process help on a very large industrial scale.

Attendees were served dinner of hot-dogs, hamburgers and ribeye steak sandwiches served by 4-H and FFA student volunteers. The local homemakers group supplied the homemade desserts.

Many lucky folks went home with door prizes that included a handmade blanket, gift cards, baseball caps, buckets of hydraulic oil and grease, cattle handling equipment and toy tractors for the kids. Area bankers were also on hand to support the event and share financing options for the farming community.

The event was sponsored the Nicholas Cooperative Extension Service and hosted by Clay Stamm and Rachel Abney.