West Central Tribune Corn, soybeans and hemp. They include the Prairie Country Research and Development Council in Willmar, which is helping co-sponsor an upcoming conference on industrial hemp. Nelson said the local council already has gone on record of urging the state to look at the possibility of making industrial hemp a legal, but regulated, crop. Given the current farm situation, council members believe it is important to take a look at getting in on the ground floor of this emerging industry, he explained.
Proponents believe that industrial hemp offers an opportunity both to diversify and add value.
Industrial hemp can be processed into nearly 30,000 different products. Farmers raising hemp in Kandiyohi, Renville and other neighboring counties were to bring their product to processing plants specially built for hemp in Bird Island and Lake Lillian. Hemp fell victim both to the war's end and a growing preference among farmers for a new and emerging crop - soybeans. Many prefer sustainable agricultural practices to raise the crop, he said. Kevin Edberg, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, will address the topic at the upcoming conference.