November 7, 2015
Interested in growing hops or hemp?
On Nov. 14, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture will hold a free workshop "Growing Hops for a Growing Market," at the Minot Comfort Inn, 1515 22nd Ave. SW, Minot.
"Producers came to us and asked for more information on growing hops," says Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. "The workshop will be a great way for the department, producers and industry to work together to develop a market in North Dakota for a crop that has the potential to grow very well."
Registration starts at 9 a.m., with the workshop running from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Lunch will be on the participants' own time during a scheduled mid-day break.
Lee Jennings, Certified Crop Adviser from Grow More Hops, LLC in Wisconsin will lead the workshop. The workshop will cover all aspects of hop production including: constructing a hop yard, selecting varieties, diseases, nutrient management, harvesting and packaging for sale. There will also be updates about current hop trial work being done at the North Dakota State University research station in Williston.
The free workshop is sponsored by NDDA and paid for through a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) specialty crop block grant.
More information about the workshop can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/189786974700240/.
Pre-registration is not required, but for more information contact Jamie Good at (701) 328-2659 or[email protected].
Hemp
NDDA is looking for people who want to be involved in an industrial hemp pilot program.
"Industrial hemp may only be grown in North Dakota through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture's pilot program or by institutions of higher education," Goehring says. "We are currently seeking applicants wishing to participate in the department's pilot program for the purposes of agricultural or academic research."
A provision in the 2014 farm bill gives authority to state departments of agriculture to cultivate industrial hemp for research purposes.
Applicants must submit a project proposal, signed memorandum of understanding and request for seed (if applicable). Proposals will be ranked by a committee appointed by the agriculture commissioner.
Applicants chosen will be required to submit a notarized application, fingerprints and associated fees.
Applications and instructions can be found at http://www.nd.gov/ndda/program/industrial-hemp
The deadline for proposals is 5 p.m. CST, Friday, Jan.1, 2016.
Goehring said applicants needing more information should contact Rachel Seifert-Spilde at 701-328-4128 or[email protected].
Source: ND Department of Agriculture
About the Author
You May Also Like