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MSU Extension prepares for 2nd year of hemp pilot research

A director of one of Michigan State University’s research centers says the state is well positioned to become a leader in national hemp production.

James DeDecker tells Brownfield Michigan’s diverse crop landscape, experience with cannabis and manufacturing background will benefit the industry.

“We understand crops that require extra management and perhaps extra investment or infrastructure to produce them so that is definitely toward our advantage.”

He warns hemp is not an investment that’s going to “save the farm” and markets have been volatile.

“I’ve been telling people on the CBD side that you should be budgeting on a one-dollar per percent of CBD per pound of material price.  If you can’t pencil it for that you shouldn’t be doing it.”

MSU Extension was able to do pilot research in 2019 that covered grain and fiber variety trials as well as comparing herbicides.  DeDecker says variety selection and seedbed preparation has been critical and expects to see more pest issues.

During the recent Midwest iHemp Expo, DeDecker told Brownfield 2020 research is expected to focus on weed controls and CBD variety trials.

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