Hemp is a crop that has seen a resurgence in the United States in recent years, but it is not without its challenges. Hemp growers must contend with pests such as moths, butterflies, mold, caterpillars, and aphids. The production process also depends on the target market for the hemp. For fiber production, hemp plants are planted densely to maximize stem growth.
For seed production, planting density is reduced to maximize seed growth. For CBD production, plant density is further reduced to allow for sprouting and flower production. Male plants must be removed to avoid pollination when producing CBD. The reintroduction of hemp into the agricultural landscape has posed some challenges.
There is a lack of basic production and market data and information that can lead to risky decision-making. Pilot programs have been successful in restarting hemp production, but long-term trends for the industry remain uncertain.
