Farmers needing quick help with hemp production problems this year might have trouble finding it.
“There’s precious little information,” said hemp researcher Stan Blade.
“People that have on-the-ground experience with the crop are few and far between.”
Blade, who works for Alberta Agriculture, said hemp researchers like him have many unanswered questions about how to grow and harvest a crop.
A 15-page summary of a recent hemp conference is available from Alberta Agriculture, and producers will soon be able to order copies of the proceedings. The summary is free, but producers must pay a fee for the complete proceedings, which includes three papers on hemp growing trials in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as information on processing and marketing.
Read Also
Ag in Motion innovation awards showcase top 2025 ag technology
The 2025 Ag in Motion Innovation Awards celebrated winners across five categories: agronomics, agtech, business solutions, environmental sustainability and equipment.
The proceedings can be ordered by calling 403-422-1789. The summary can be ordered by calling 403-427-2121.
Alberta Agriculture is also selling a video-taped version of the conference. The first of the four tapes contains producer experiences of growing hemp.
The videotapes can be ordered by calling 403-422-3951.
Information hard to find
Blade said the internet contains hemp information, but little on actual production techniques. Private consultants also offer help for a fee, he said.
Producers can also contact their local agriculture department representative, who can steer them toward sources of information.
Blade said producers need to understand the unique aspects of hemp production or they could have problems.
For instance, seeding rates are dramatically different for growing hemp for seed as opposed to fibre.
Seed crops are planted at 10 to 15 pounds per acre. Fibre crops are seeded at up to 60 pounds per acre.
Blade said more production information will become available as more people grow the crop.
