Elise Balin
Staff Writer
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) approval of Wyoming’s hemp plan will establish a regulatory structure for hemp production within the state and offer growers another crop option in 2020.
Upon approval of Wyoming’s hemp plan on Feb. 20, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA) will hold regulatory responsibilities of a new hemp industry within the state. With new hemp regulations put in place, farmers are presented with an opportunity to produce hemp for fiber, seed or oil purposes.
With Wyoming’s hemp plan put in place, the WDA is now accepting applications for hemp licenses for the 2020 growing season. Upon grower approval from the WDA, farmers are required to follow hemp producer inspections and sampling protocol put in place by the WDA to ensure the safety of crops being produced.
UW College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Master Technician John Connett said this initiative taken by the WDA to allow hemp production within the state gives farmers a great growing option to integrate into future farm plans.
“I am emphasizing what I think is the best for this area productionwise,” said Connett. “Hemp grain would be a really good rotation crop right now, and then in a couple years when the fiber processing is available, growers will be able to ship the fiber in bales.”
The fiber processing is in its early stages at this point in time, but growers can expect more opportunities within the hemp industry in years to come. Not only is hemp valued for grain and its fibrous qualities, it is also valued for its naturally occurring compound known as cannabidiol (CBD), which is used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and seizure suppressant properties.
Connett clarified the differentiating properties of the commonly known cannabis plants, hemp (Cannabis Sativa) which contains a different chemical makeup than its relative, marijuana (Cannabis Indica). The difference lies in the compounds that make up the two plant varieties, where hemp contains less than 0.3% of THC, the chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychological effects.
Due to the chemical compounds within the plant, Connett said the regulations must be set to a strict standard as plants can develop different chemical ratios if precautions are not taken by growers. With proper precautionary measures, hemp can be produced in ways to provide safe compound levels that provide healing benefits to consumers.
Connett’s extensive studies and experience has allowed him to speak with confidence as to why growers should take interest in the hemp production industry, largely due to the growing market he expects to increase over time. Connett said he believes agricultural solutions revolve around creating healthy agroecosystems, using all of the resources available, which include integrated pest management practices and openness to new growing possibilities, such as hemp.
