Midwest hemp producers and growers have come together to create a database to establish best practices in hemp cultivation. Farmers, agriculture students, and producers are collaborating with the University of Illinois, Purdue University, Michigan State University, and University of Wisconsin-Madison in this first-of-its-kind study. Each group submits their growth and production levels, and multiple Midwest states pledged to regularly submit their own growth numbers and production outcomes. The goal is to better-understand the practices that helped or hindered hemp growth.

Even in its first year of production, the database proved extremely useful for many Midwest hemp producers. Traditionally, labs go around and test different plants for their THC and CBD levels at the production farm. Now, growers were able to submit their own samples to labs for testing, at half the profiling cost. Labs offered this deal to encourage more test results for a larger total dataset. Plus, it offered a wider and more inclusive sample range for the Midwest region itself. The goal of the database is to establish best practices before the USDA ruling comes into effect in 2022. At that point, farmers and producers must work with a DEA certified lab for proper testing. The database can create a standard for not only the Midwest, but across the country as well. 

Future

Many growers and producers are excited to participate in this database. And even more have pledged to participate in future years, to help generate even better results. The Midwest experiences a wide range of weather in a given day or week, and offers ample farmland for growing. With the help of the database, reliable hemp data will be shared within this diverse region and across the country. 

The 2021 harvest is about to be planted and a new set of data will be available shortly afterwards. A Midwest regional database not only opens up opportunities for best practices, but also provides a wealth of information to new growers. The hemp industry is just beginning to grow and there are many who wish to join. Researchers predict the industry will reach a value of $15 billion in the next five years. This regional database is a step in that direction, and allows the Midwest to continue to establish itself as a major player in the hemp industry moving forward.

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