In April of 2019 I began transitioning a portion of my time to support of hemp applied research and Extension for CAFE.Burley tobacco growers in Kentucky have experienced significant declines in demand for their leaf in recent years and have been looking for alternative enterprises to diversify their farming operations.  Industrial hemp may provide opportunities for growers but there are still many uncertainties with regards to markets and production practices.  Since beginning to transition to hemp I have conducted agent training with horticulture agents, spoken to County Extension Councils, provided content for a “Hemp College” (sponsored by Farm Journal) attended by almost 500 people.  These efforts are in the early stages but are laying the groundwork to help tobacco growers with the potential transition to hemp crops.