Success StoryEducation of Hemp Growers through 2023 University of Kentucky Hemp Field Day and Educational Sessions



Education of Hemp Growers through 2023 University of Kentucky Hemp Field Day and Educational Sessions

Author: Kimberly Leonberger

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Plant Disease ID

Outcome: Initial Outcome

In 2020, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture reported that 4,500 acres of hemp were harvested in Kentucky, with 92% of these acres devoted to the production of hemp for cannabinoids. While many growers have expressed interest in hemp production, finding accurate information on production, pest management, marketing, and processing can be challenging. Thus, as the University of Kentucky has established itself as a leader in research in numerous aspects of hemp production, Extension specialists and researchers coordinated and facilitated the 2023 Hemp Field Day and Educational Sessions. The goal of this event was to share research with hemp growers and those connected to the hemp industry as a way to improve knowledge of hemp production and processing. 

During the 2023 field days, a new format was used that provided morning and afternoon sessions of educational talks in collaboration with industry partners. Topics covered included plant diseases, insects, and plant health as well as marketing and production practices. During the evening, a traditional field day with field tours and presentations was provided. Total attendance for this event was 95 individuals, with 13% being growers and 24% industry. The remaining participants were either associated with universities, regulatory, USDA, students, or processors. A post-survey found that participants increased their knowledge of insects of concern for hemp (45%), diseases of concern for hemp (38%), marketing and economic opportunities for hemp (27%), hemp cultivar selection (22%), production of hemp cultivars, (21%), regulations related to the production of hemp (18%), and processing of hemp cultivars (15%). As a result of participating in the program, respondents indicated that they would implement or change to new marketing or economic opportunities (20%), new production practices (18%), insect management strategies (16%), new cultivars (16%), disease management strategies (14%), and/or new processing practices (14%). Overall, the event was considered a success and was well received by participants.   






Stories by Kimberly Leonberger


Empowering Agents to Assist Homeowners with Ornamental Disease and Pest Issues.

about 2 years ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Kentucky agriculture and natural resources and horticulture county Extension agents reported 74% of ... Read More


Educating Commercial Vegetable Growers through Virtual Methods

about 2 years ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Kentucky commercial vegetable growers produce a wide range of crops, which as of 2019 contributed $4... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


2021 Tornado

about 2 years ago by Kelsey Mehl

In December of 2021, UKREC was part of a devastating tornado, destroying most of our buildings. In t... Read More


Maintaining a successful applied plant pathology research program in the wake of a tornado

about 2 years ago by Carl Bradley

On December 10, 2021, an EF-4 tornado destroyed the University of Kentucky Research and Education Ce... Read More