What are the opportunities and challenges of growing industrial hemp as a forage crop?
This webinar (first published on March 10, 2022) discusses the potential for whole-plant use of industrial hemp as a forage crop for livestock, and the challenges that need to be overcome for industrial hemp to become a mainstream forage crop.
Presented by Dr Beth Penrose who is a researcher and lecturer at TIA with a particular interest in improving soil and plant nutrition for human and animal health.
Currently, industrial hemp is grown for seed and/or for fibre to make foods, cooking oils, health and beauty products, textiles and building products. However, often only part of the plant is used which limits the profitability of the crop.
The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture has been exploring the broader opportunities for industrial hemp and this webinar will draw on some findings from research students including Aravind Palepu (Masters) who looked at grazing hemp stubble and Rohan Borojevic (Honours) who looked at the nutritional value of industrial hemp for animal feed and its regrowth potential.
TIA works closely with the Tasmanian Hemp Association (THA) who are supporters of research to drive development of the industrial hemp industry. The current research trial is supported by funding from Agrifutures Australia and the THA.

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