Since the legalization of hemp in Wisconsin in 2018 after decades of prohibition, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been dedicating significant time and effort to research hemp cultivation in the state. Dr. Shelby Ellison, a researcher at the university, has been at the forefront of this effort.
The research initially focused on the fundamental aspects of hemp cultivation in Wisconsin. This was crucial because hemp had not been grown in the state for an extended period. Dr. Ellison pointed out that the last hemp crop in the United States was cultivated in Wisconsin back in 1958, even though the state had been a leader in hemp production before that. As a result, there was a lack of knowledge and experience for modern hemp farmers to draw upon.
Currently, hemp acreage in the state remains relatively small. Most CBD hemp growers are utilizing 1 to 2 acres, while those growing grain and fiber hemp typically range from 1 to 10 acres. However, Dr. Ellison anticipates significant growth in hemp cultivation in the near future.
She believes that as processing plants become operational, there will be a rising demand for fiber hemp, potentially leading to a rapid expansion of hemp farms. Dr. Ellison envisions farms transitioning into larger plots, possibly spanning 40 acres or more, as the hemp industry in Wisconsin continues to evolve and develop.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops