There’s a massive elephant in the room that needs to be addressed. If you’re a farmer looking to grow Industrial Hemp under contract, we’ll explore why you should never take the advise of your local conventional agronomist. This article was triggered after witnessing a program recommendation that included a plethora of herbicides, pesticides, 600KG of Urea and over 150KG of Super per hectare. 

Here are the facts:

1. Lack of Hemp-Specific Expertise

• Industrial hemp has unique requirements, from nutrient needs to pest and disease resistance, which differ significantly from traditional crops. Conventional agronomists may not have sufficient experience with hemp’s specific growing conditions, growth cycles, and regulatory considerations.

2. Over-reliance on Synthetic Fertilizers and Chemicals

• Conventional agronomists often recommend synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, which can conflict with hemp’s natural phytoremediation capabilities and risk contaminating the crop. Industrial hemp generally benefits from organic or regenerative soil management practices that preserve its purity and quality.

3. Limited Knowledge of Phytoremediation

• Hemp is a powerful phytoremediator, capable of extracting toxins and heavy metals from the soil. This requires knowledge of soil amendments, remediation techniques, and careful management to prevent contamination, which may not be a focus in conventional agronomy.

4. Lack of Emphasis on Soil Health

• Industrial hemp thrives in soils with high organic matter, balanced nutrient profiles, and strong microbial ecosystems. Conventional agronomists may focus on fast-acting, synthetic inputs rather than soil-building techniques, like cover cropping or composting, that benefit hemp’s long-term production.

5. Insufficient Focus on Sustainable Practices

• Hemp farmers often prioritise sustainable practices, including organic inputs, crop rotation, and reduced chemical use. Conventional agronomists may lack expertise in sustainable or regenerative approaches that align with hemp’s natural resilience and environmental benefits.

6. Inadequate Knowledge of Regulatory Compliance

• Hemp is tightly regulated regarding THC content, processing, and agricultural practices. Many conventional agronomists are unfamiliar with these specific regulations, which are critical to avoid crop loss or legal issues.

7. Potential for Crop Contamination

• With a tendency to rely on chemical interventions, a conventional approach may introduce contaminants that hemp could absorb, especially since hemp plants readily uptake soil nutrients and contaminants. This is especially problematic for hemp products intended for food, medicinal, or fiber use.

8. Lack of Focus on Harvest Timing and Processing Needs

• Hemp’s end-use (fiber, seed, or CBD production) dictates its harvest timing and processing, which requires careful monitoring. Conventional agronomists may not account for these unique harvest needs, potentially affecting yield quality or cannabinoid content.

9. Insensitivity to Market Demands

• Industrial hemp markets are diverse, including fibre, seed, and CBD applications, each with specific quality and purity demands. Conventional agronomists may not understand these niche markets, potentially leading to lower-quality recommendations that reduce market competitiveness.

10. Missed Opportunities in Hemp-Specific Nutrient Management

• Hemp benefits from a tailored nutrient approach, focusing on balanced, slow-release, or natural fertilisers that support its growth without excessive nitrogen or phosphorus. Conventional agronomists often focus on traditional nutrient strategies that can be detrimental to hemp’s optimal development.

Hemp is a unique crop that thrives with tailored, sustainable, and careful management practices. Partnering with a hemp-specialised agronomist, or those experienced in regenerative agriculture, often yields better results in both crop quality and environmental impact.