Industrial hemp field program set for Sept. 28 in Lubbock

West Texas event for producers growing, considering fiber and grain production

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering an industrial hemp field plot meeting for West Texas industrial hemp growers on Sept. 28.

The event will be from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Lubbock, 1102 East Drew St., formerly Farm-to-Market Road 1294. There is no charge for the program.

The event will include discussions of agronomics, irrigation requirements, variety adaptations and seed quality. Attendees will view hemp fiber and grain variety trial plots at the center.

“Industrial hemp in Texas has moved past the CBD hype with our first crops in 2020,” said Calvin Trostle, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agronomist, Lubbock. “Hemp for CBD was way oversold in terms of profit potential, and some farmers have turned their attention to hemp fiber.”

The meeting may also be of interest to community business and economic development leaders, agricultural finance professionals and the general public, Trostle said. Individuals with all levels of knowledge about hemp, or none at all, may attend.

Challenges, considerations for growers

Trostle said the choice of hemp varieties for fiber and especially for grain remains a major issue for Texas producers.

“Varieties suitable for the northern U.S., Canada and Europe are not adapted to the southern U.S.,” he said, adding the issue is premature reproductive growth well before it is desired.

Kyle Bingham, president of the Texas Hemp Growers Association, will share his hemp farming experience from Terry County during the event. In addition, an update will be provided on possible Texas markets for fiber.

For further information, contact Trostle at 806-746-6101 or calvin.trostle@ag.tamu.edu.

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