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.