Meigs Farm hosts Industrial Hemp Field Day

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Farmers interested in learning more about the potential challenges and opportunities of growing industrial hemp are invited to a field day July 26 at Meigs Farm, part of the Throckmorton Purdue Agricultural Center, 9101 S. 100 E, about 10 miles south of Lafayette.

Currently, industrial hemp can only be grown as a research crop in Indiana. Purdue researchers have planted test plots to study basic production factors such as expected yield, optimal soil conditions, effective nutrients, and pest and disease management.

“Every crop has challenges. We hope by showing some of what these challenges are we’ll be able to help interested growers make informed decisions,” said Janna Beckerman, professor of botany and plant pathology and one of the field day organizers.

Field day topics include:

* Planting hemp

* Pest management

* Harvest

* Budgets

* Organic production

* Uses for hemp

* Agricultural engineering

* Ecology

The field day will run from 8:15-11:30 a.m., and be repeated from 1-4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Cost is $25, payable at the event. Pre-registration is preferred by July 19. For more information or to sign up, go to https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/Pages/hemp-day.aspx. 

Writer: Darrin Pack, 765-494-8415, dpack@purdue.edu 

Source: Lisa Gross, 765-494-9871, gross25@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Shari Finnell, Manager/Media Relations and Public Information, sfinnell@purdue.edu  
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