The 2014 Farm Bill allowed farmers to begin to grow industrial hemp as a part of a research project conducted in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.  Further policy passed late in 2018 moved industrial hemp into a viable crop on a national scale.  Furthermore, successes experienced by initial research project cooperators and the influx of processing companies into the area increased the interest in production of industrial hemp.

A multi-county, one day conference was held to address the inquiries from media, agricultural producers, and others who were interested in learning more about hemp productions.  During the presentation several of the specifics addressed were economic and agronomic factors to consider during the production year.   The presentation was hosted by the Grant County Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent and included presentations by UK faculty/specialist and representatives from industry.  Forty (40) residents of Grant County were among the 107 who attended.  

Participants increased their knowledge of the application and legal requirements required to participate in the research, production methods, potential uses for industrial hemp, and how industrial hemp is being marketed.  

Conference attendance was surveyed from that indicated 22 producers reported conducting additional research, 35 producers in Grant and Owen County indicated that they would continue or expand into industrial hemp production in 2019.  Eighty-five (85) producers indicated that they anticipated that they would participate in the production of industrial hemp in 2020 by making application for participation in the program.   Several respondents indicated an increase in net farm revenues through hemp production to the level of $466,260.00 in years 2017 and 2018.