The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will host the 2023 Hemp Field Day on September 12 at the Pirri Equine Pavilion at UK's Maine Chance Farm in north Lexington.
The event will feature presentations and demonstrations on a variety of topics related to hemp production, including grain dehulling, germination and establishment, fiber and grain variety trials, grain harvest, hemp diseases and insects, and more.
The hemp industry in Kentucky has seen extreme volatility in recent years, but production research at the University of Kentucky has continued to identify and solve production problems that could be potential roadblocks to the development of a viable hemp industry.
"We are working on production systems for different end uses of hemp, including bioactive compounds, grain and fiber applications," said Bob Pearce, director of UK Hemp Programs. "Currently, we are working with Kentucky-based hemp grain and fiber processors to identify best management practices to produce the raw materials they need to grow their businesses. Many challenges remain, and it will be a long road to full market development, but we want to share the progress we have made thus far with our stakeholders."
The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. EDT with registration and a light breakfast, followed by a welcome session at 9:30 a.m. Educational sessions and demonstrations will take place before and after lunch. At 4:30 p.m., field tours will begin. Tours include a transplanted field, seeded plots, and pest identification and control.
At 6:30 p.m., Martin-Gatton CAFE specialists will discuss current hot topics in hemp. Activities conclude at 7:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Kentucky, Crops