Hemp growers take one step back

Last year’s agronomic, market challenges confound growers as state continues to iron out regulations

Amy Hadachek
May 13, 2021
May 13, 2021
3 min to read

Hemp acres 1.jpg — A combine harvests hemp at South Bend Industrial Hemp's Field in Stafford County last year.
Submitted photo by Kathy Rondeau, Country Cottage Portraits

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Last year, Kansas farmers planted 4,000 acres of hemp but harvested only 700 acres, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture, and now fewer farmers are concerned about aspects of the crop’s viability.

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Growing industrial hemp comes with challenges. “I think people didn't realize how much work there is for the return they get, and I think a lot of farmers didn't have a plan for harvest either,” said Melissa Nelson Baldwin, co-owner of South Bend Industrial Hemp.

Submitted photo from Sarah Stephens Selmon

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Hemp acres 5.jpg — Up to 90% of the hemp in Kansas has been grown for CBD – cannabidiol – and flower production.
Submitted photo from Sarah Stephens Selmon

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Hemp acres CHART.jpg — Figures from the Kansas Department of Agriculture show the industrial hemp acres licensed, planted and harvested throughout the state in both 2019 and 2020. Of the planted acres, 54 in 2019 and 34 in 2020 were noncompliant for high THC levels. Roughly 890 (2019) and 3,167 (2020) planted acres were nonyielding or failed to produce a crop.

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Reporter Amy Hadachek is a two-time Emmy Award winning meteorologist and a storm chaser who earned her NWA and AMS Broadcast Meteorology Seals of Approval. She and her husband live on a diversified farm in Kansas. Reach her at amy.hadachek@midwestmessenger.com.