<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Our next statewide AgriLife Zoom update is January 4, 2022, 5:15-6:30 PM CST.\u00a0 Please register in advance for this meeting:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/agrilife.zoom.us\/meeting\/register\/tJAqduigpz8vHt3b4ORQbGnNTBe_YsqXt42g<\/a><\/p>\n After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What will be the market and interest for CBD in 2022?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Much of the CBD industry, especially for extractable CBD, has been battered by all-time low prices in 2021.\u00a0 Hemp Benchmarks reported October 2021 the national aggregate price for biomass for extractable CBD was $0.30 per each 1.0% CBD per one pound of dry biomass. \u00a0The range was $0.05 to $0.80.\u00a0 This is compounded by excess biomass from previous years still in storage which is available for processing.\u00a0 (The low end of the above price range might represent existing biomass in storage from previous years.\u00a0 I have a hunch it is possible that \u201cnew crop\u201d 2021 production might be slightly higher than aggregate.)\u00a0 Furthermore, some industry observers have suggested that acreage to meet extractable CBD demand is still well below 2021 reported acreage and harvest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Growers of CBD for extraction that have their own system, markets, their own product, and any level of vertical integration may have some buffer against these otherwise low market prices.\u00a0 I do not know of a state Extension budget sheet on extractable CBD using the traditional small-acreage hand-oriented production model that shows a profit.\u00a0 States\u2019 enterprise budgets have not caught up yet with large-scale production models that use straight-run seed and essentially fully mechanical harvest and processing of large amounts of biomass.\u00a0 Individuals with this production system who are tied into processing agreements tell me this still has a shot at coming out in the black.\u00a0 But the system depends on getting good yields and having agreements for processing.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Most of you understand the issues as a business producing CBD better than I do.\u00a0 You certainly need a keen mind, a sharp pencil, and some realism to navigate the extractable CBD market.\u00a0 I still get a few inquiries from would-be first-time Texas growers that want to enter the hemp industry.\u00a0 I then outline the concerns on market potential, ensure they are aware of current pricing, etc.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What planting stock to use in 2022 CBD hemp production?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n There is now a wide range of views on whether to use transplants, feminized seed, or straight-run (meaning ~50% of your plants will be males) for extractable CBD production.\u00a0 The low market prices have put a great deal of pressure on using transplants due to their higher cost.\u00a0 Perhaps you can produce your own?\u00a0 (A caution about this, or if you have captured seed from some of your plants:\u00a0 some hemp CBD varieties are legally protected.\u00a0 Thus, generating new seed stock for either your own planting seed or for transplants is prohibited.\u00a0 As you purchase planting stock in 2022, if needed, ask if generating your own material from that genetic line is permitted by the seller.\u00a0 The complicating factor here\u2014a process I am not schooled in\u2014is can you treat your own seeds for feminization?\u00a0 If you have done this, please send me a note and tell me about it.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For smaller-acreages, feminized seed is still of high interest as you surely wish to have no male plants in the field.\u00a0 To plant straight-run seed in a small field then rogue those males out before they would shed pollen and potentially fertilize females could be a lot of work.\u00a0 I note, however, that in all straight-run varieties I have worked with\u2014including CBD strains, grain, and fiber\u2014the males show about two weeks before the females. \u00a0I believe it would be easy to hoe them out before you have initial development of females and thus pollination.\u00a0 (A potential caveat: if you are growing more than one variety, they may not enter reproductive growth at the same time.\u00a0 Males are developing on one variety while you now have females already developed on another.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It may be that small acreage producers eventually find low levels of seed development in your females is actually acceptable.\u00a0 This may reduce CBD levels slightly and you would have small amounts of seeds in your flower.\u00a0 For small scale growers this seed may be difficult to separate out.\u00a0 If you are trying for the highest percent CBD you can get for smokable hemp, then you won\u2019t want the seeds.\u00a0 But that is higher value hemp so you can more readily justify higher seed costs. \u00a0But for extractable CBD the %CBD is actually not as critical.\u00a0 It could be an economic decision.\u00a0 You may find that 8% CBD biomass, if production costs are lower, is more economical than 9% and even 10% CBD.\u00a0 And besides, the former has less potential issue in going hot for THC.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For your planting stock purchases in 2022 shop carefully.\u00a0 Companies selling seed and transplants are under pressure as the volume they can sell compared to 2020 and especially 2021 has decreased greatly.\u00a0 Do discuss discounts.\u00a0 Ensure also as best you can germination percentage and whether the company you buy from will stand behind their seed.\u00a0 Avoid sellers that are only on the internet (no brick-and-mortar location).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bailey Co., Texas Hemp Fiber Trial (Andrew Bish)<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Andrew Bish, Bish Enterprises, in Nebraska has put forth great effort to identify suitable grain and fiber lines for the U.S.\u00a0 As we have discussed before most northerly varieties are not adapted to the southerly latitudes in Texas.\u00a0 Those varieties flower much too soon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Andrew worked with cooperators in at least eight states to plant a set of varieties across a wider range of locations including latitudes, irrigated vs. dryland, humid vs. arid climates, etc.\u00a0 I watched the Bailey Co., Texas site (~34.1\u00b0N latitude) which had a June 23 planting date (this is up to two months later than what we would like to see going forward).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Here are the varieties in the Bailey Co. site (and sites in other states).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n Greatly premature flowering, short growth of 24\u201d or less (poor growth)<\/u>\u2014based on this initial trial result these varieties and those like them are not suitable for Texas<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Intermediate flowering, marginal growth<\/u><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Modest growth, longer flowering date<\/u><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Good growth, long delayed initial flowering<\/u><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Several Texas entities have expressed interest in HempIT (http:\/\/www.hemp-it.coop<\/a>) varieties from Europe.\u00a0 There are two varieties above noted for southerly European latitudes (which would generally still be 40\u00b0N latitude and above; this is equivalent to the Kansas-Nebraska border). \u00a0Fiber variety Futura 83 on HempIT\u2019s website also notes southern European adaptation and \u201cmore exotic latitudes.\u201d \u00a0It is a long-maturity variety.\u00a0 I am not currently aware if it has been tested in the southern U.S.\u00a0 It must be tested here before it would be sold commercially.<\/p>\n Due to the late June planting date on this Bailey Co., Texas site, the days were the longest and the nights (dark period) the shortest.\u00a0 All the varieties above are photoperiod sensitive.\u00a0 It is the length of the dark period that triggers reproductive growth.\u00a0 So, in spite of the near shortest dark period in Bailey Co., the first four above varieties entered reproductive growth almost immediately.\u00a0 Thus, there is no time at the Bailey Co. latitude (or further south) that the dark period would be short enough to NOT trigger reproductive growth.\u00a0 I have seen many other varieties experience this same reaction at Lubbock, TX (33.5\u00b0N).\u00a0 These include Anka, Altair, CFX-1, Hliana, Bialobrzeskie.<\/p>\n This issue of premature flowering CBD varieties does not appear to be a concern.\u00a0 These varieties grown in Texas, though they may flower sooner than expected, do not curtail growth.\u00a0 Plants may be smaller than if grown in more northerly latitudes or even Colorado, but growth and plant size is still good.<\/p>\n Do Chinese fiber varieties have a future in U.S. hemp production?<\/strong><\/p>\n I noted this past fall that Yu Ma was hot for THC at 0.4-0.8 THC even in the vegetative stage of growth.\u00a0 This is from samples that had no male or female reproductive growth.\u00a0 Cornell University and Univ. of Illinois confirm Yu Ma was also hot for THC in 2021 trials.\u00a0 Texas A&M AgriLife also measured THC > 1.0% in Jin Ma in 2020.<\/p>\n Dr. Larry Smart, Cornell Univ., noted during the Auburn University\u2019s \u201cScience of Hemp\u201d online conference (11\/19\/2021):\u00a0 \u201cHigh THC is what we would predict in Chinese hemp lines based on our molecular marker work.\u00a0 All the Chinese varieties we have tested have genes for THCA synthase.\u201d\u00a0 So, could this be fixed in plant breeding?\u00a0 Dr. Smart is collaborating with University of Florida on this topic.\u00a0 It is possible that plant breeding (or gene editing) could neutralize the production of THC in Chinese hemp fiber lines, but this would take several years.\u00a0 It appears to me growing Yu Ma and harvesting early will not likely solve the issue of THC development.\u00a0 Short of states relaxing their requirement on how fiber crop plants are sampled or harvested (no leaf or floral material leaving the field?) Yu Ma is not a viable option for fiber production in the U.S. at this time.<\/p>\n Do fiber and grain hemp production fit together?<\/strong><\/p>\n Many hemp varieties suggest suitability for dual purpose (combination of two of CBD\/cannabinoid production, fiber, and grain). \u00a0I believe saying a hemp variety is for \u2018fiber\u2019 is not specific enough.\u00a0 Bast and hurd production may entail significantly different production methods.\u00a0 \u00a0Some varieties even suggest they could be harvested for all three commercial components.\u00a0 A reality check, however, enters into consideration for any desire to produce mature grain in hemp<\/u>:\u00a0 if you wait long enough for maturity of seed (grain) then THC is more likely to be high AND hemp bast fiber quality will be lower.\u00a0 This higher level of maturity likely eliminate textile-type uses that require high quality. \u00a0We don\u2019t have a good feel yet for what types of bast fiber quality the market will demand.\u00a0 Hurd quality with increasing maturity is less an issue.\u00a0 It does not undergo the same decrease in quality parameters like bast fibers over time.\u00a0 Perhaps hurd and grain is a suitable fit.<\/p>\n Subsequent to the above Science of Hemp conference Dr. Larry Smart, Cornell Univ. noted on Nov. 19, \u201cI am very skeptical of the dual-purpose harvest right now. You will not compete with grain producers in Saskatchewan and Montana trying to combine 12-foot-tall plants while also collecting inferior fiber because you let it go too long in order to get grain.\u00a0 Let\u2019s figure out dedicated short (height) grain varieties and late-flowering dedicated fiber varieties first.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Dr. Smart\u2019s comments offer a guide for the U.S. hemp industry.\u00a0 Since 2020 I see that almost all grain hemp varieties have photoperiod that is only adapted to the northern U.S., Canada, or Europe.\u00a0 The southern U.S. cannot compete with northerly production of hemp for bulk grain.\u00a0 Yes, local markets might be developed, but productivity\u2014and production costs\u2014for hemp grain are much more favorable in the far north.\u00a0 Yet dual-purpose gets more potential value from one crop, so there still might be opportunity for grain from a fiber line, but it could require specialized harvest<\/p>\n One Texas hemp industry staffer with strong interest primarily in fiber offers that there is minimally a true dual-purpose hemp crop.\u00a0 One component or the other (cannabinoids, bast, hurd, grain) is the primary objective.\u00a0 And what does your contract want?\u00a0 It should offer guidance on what the priority is.\u00a0 You grow for that contract and its end-use priority.\u00a0 If for grain, what is the specific use?\u00a0 If for bast, what standards in quality are your target?<\/p>\n Preliminary Report:\u00a0 Early Fall Planting of Fiber Varieties, Stiles Farm (Thrall, TX) & AgriLife Weslaco<\/strong><\/p>\n EcoFibre of Australia has noted fiber variety ECO-MS77 may be planted by mid-September in lower latitudes for fall\/winter\/early spring fiber production.\u00a0 One personal communication from the Lower Rio Grande Valley for ECO-MS77 planted fall 2020 and growing into spring suggested good growth.\u00a0 The coldest temperatures in Central Texas during the winter I believe are unlikely to allow satisfactory growth due to freezes that could injure or even kill the hemp.\u00a0 The Lower Rio Grande Valley may be different as modest temperatures there in the winter are not that different than summer temperatures in northern Europe.\u00a0 Low temps can approach freezing though some years in the LRGV.<\/p>\n Working with Williamson Co. agricultural Extension agent Gary Pastushok and AgriLife Weslaco\u2019s plant breeder Dr. Jorge da Silva, we planted small observations for fiber varieties Eletta Campana, Fibranova, Yu Ma, and ECO-MS77.\u00a0 Stiles Farm (~40 miles northeast of Austin) was planted by hand October 5.\u00a0 Weslaco was planted October 7.\u00a0 We wanted to observe when they initiate flowering and overall growth.<\/p>\n We will report in greater detail in a forthcoming newsletter.\u00a0 For now, we have data on initial reproductive growth at Stiles Farm (Table 1). \u00a0Germination percent was subpar for Eletta Campana, Fibranova, and ECO-MS77.\u00a0 Seeding density was adjusted (as they were in all summer 2021 AgriLife trials for reduced germination) to compensate for low germination.<\/p>\n Table 1<\/strong>.\u00a0 Initial results from fall fiber planting October 5, 2021, at Stiles Farm, Thrall, TX.\u00a0 All varieties demonstrated initial female reproductive growth after 11\/17\/2021 and before 12\/17\/2021.\u00a0 Information is courtesy Gary Pastushok, Williamson Co. AgriLife ag. extension agent, Georgetown.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/u><\/p>\n 10\/19\/21 Ratings<\/u>\u2020 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Initial Male\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Average Height<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Variety\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Emergence\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vigor\u2021\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Growth By\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 by 11\/17\/21 (inches)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/u><\/p>\n Eletta Campana\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11\/2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 28<\/p>\n Fibranova\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11\/2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 28<\/p>\n ECO-MS77\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1.5\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 ~11\/10\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 16<\/p>\n Yu Ma\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3.0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11\/17\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 18<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/u><\/p>\n \u20200-4 Visual Rating Scale:\u00a0 0 = no emergence; 1 = poor emergence or vigor; 2 = fair emergence or vigor; 3 = good emergence or vigor; 4 = excellent emergence or vigor.<\/p>\n \u2021Vigor ratings are based on the plants present regardless of the degree of emergence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fig. 2<\/strong>. \u00a0Hemp fiber variety trial, Stiles Farm, Thrall, TX.\u00a0 Planted October 5, 2021.\u00a0 Top:\u00a0 October 18, 2021.\u00a0 Bottom:\u00a0 November 8, 2021.\u00a0 Plot ID of varieties:\u00a0 Bottom, left to right:\u00a0 Eletta Campana, Fibranova, MS77, Yu Ma; Middle, left to right:\u00a0 MS77, Yu Ma, Eletta Campana, Fibranova; Top, left to right:\u00a0 Fibranova, Eletta Campana, Yu Ma, MS77.\u00a0 Photos courtesy Gary Pastushok.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Conditions at Stiles Farm have been much warmer than normal for fall 2021 so this level of growth may not be repeated.\u00a0 The establishment of ECO-MS77 was slow.\u00a0 This could be due to reduced vigor from the seed we had from low germination\/improper storage. \u00a0(As noted above we will source 2022 ECO-MS77 seed directly from EcoFibre.)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n AgriLife Weslaco results<\/u>:\u00a0 From the October 7 planting, Dr. da Silva notes much female reproductive growth in Eletta Campana as of Dec. 8.\u00a0 Yu Ma had initial female growth.\u00a0 There was no emergence on ECO-MS77, the variety that drove this fall planting effort.\u00a0 Other ECO-MS77 growing in the LRGV is not having this issue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What we will watch for<\/u>:\u00a0 I expect a freeze will knock back the Stiles Farm planting.\u00a0 If there is sufficient canopy to protect the lower plant, then I expect growth to continue.\u00a0 We want to see how tall these plants get.\u00a0 Once female growth starts, we don\u2019t expect much further increase in height, but we are not sure.\u00a0 The Lower Rio Grande Valley plants we anticipate will continue to grow through the winter.\u00a0 I am not sure what we will get.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Possible Off-Season Testing of Hemp Variety Photoperiod Response?\u2014Growth Chambers<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n An August 2021 publication from the University of Florida outlines how hemp variety photoperiod response can be tested in growth chambers to reproduce different lengths of day\/night.\u00a0 This could be quicker than relying on field tests though field evaluation may be needed to confirm GC results.\u00a0 The paper is available at https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpls.2021.694153\/full<\/a><\/p>\n If is possible that growth chambers tests initiated in January could reveal hemp variety photoperiod response in time for the 2022 cropping season.\u00a0 Will hemp lines flower prematurely at shorter dark periods?\u00a0 This could prevent planting of hundreds of acres of hemp fiber and grain lines that are not adapted to the southern U.S.\u00a0 Texas A&M AgriLife may be able to offer fee-based testing to get an early indication of photoperiod response before companies and processors commit to contracts for seed or production.\u00a0 For further information contact Calvin Trostle.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Fertilizer Prices are at All-Time Highs<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prices for common fertilizers like urea (46N-0P-0K), ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S), and monoammonium phosphate (or MAP, 11-52-0) are at record highs. \u00a0For Texas hemp growers following organic production methods (even if not certified organic), this is not an issue.\u00a0 For other production this will be another increased expense for hemp.\u00a0 It is possible many hemp growers may overfertilize, which is more justified when crop prices are high.\u00a0 Will prices come down in 2022?\u00a0 AgriLife Extension economist Dr. Mark Welch, College Station, believes they will, but whether that occurs in time to reduce costs on summer 2022 crops remains to be seen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Texas Department of Agriculture Hemp Reminders<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n TDA again reminds licensees to be sure to file your lot crop reports for 2021.\u00a0 If you planning to renew your hemp licenses and permits or your sampler licenses for 2022, be sure you do not let your 2021 license lapse.\u00a0 As always, if you have questions for TDA call or e-mail.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Upcoming Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Hemp Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I do not have any current hemp programs scheduled.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n February Hemp Zoom.<\/strong>\u00a0 After January the next statewide hemp Zoom will be Tuesday, February 1.\u00a0 Notification of registration will come by e-mail and hemp newsletter the last week of January.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Ongoing Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Hemp Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n General Information<\/em><\/p>\n We continue adding resources at http:\/\/agrilifeextension.tamu.edu\/hemp<\/a> including under \u2018Hot Topics & Latest Updates\u2019 on the main page.<\/p>\n Hemp Plant Disease Diagnostics\u2014Texas A&M AgriLife @ Amarillo\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em><\/p>\n Download the needed hemp-specific form from https:\/\/thppdd-lab.tamu.edu<\/a>\u00a0 The policy for hemp diagnostics and collection\/packaging\/submitting plants is on the back of the form.\u00a0 It is best to notify Dr. Ken Obasa in advance of sending samples, office 806.677.5600, ken.obasa@ag.tamu.edu<\/a>\u00a0 In fact, you may e-mail digital images first which might provide a diagnosis and save the transport permit and diagnostic fees.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Texas A&M AgriLife Hemp Potency Testing for THC & Cannabinoids<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Sample analyses of hemp for THC and cannabinoids is available through Texas A&M AgriLife labs at Uvalde and Lubbock.\u00a0 College Station will be added soon.\u00a0 The labs are now equipped with an auto sampler which greatly speeds analysis of large sample sets<\/u>.\u00a0 For further information consult http:\/\/soiltesting.tamu.edu\/hemp.html<\/a> \u00a0This service is not currently for official THC analyses required by law.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Our Hemp Program Twitter Account<\/em><\/p>\n @TXAgriLifeHemp<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Video Series:\u00a0 Economic & Legal Considerations for Hemp Production in Texas<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This series of 29 videos is available at https:\/\/agecoext.tamu.edu\/resources\/legal-and-economic-considerations-for-growing-hemp\/<\/a>\u00a0 Topics cover legal, contracting, economics, and potential crop insurance.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The website is divided into the sections below.\u00a0 Choose the YouTube video you want to see and also the slides for each presentation (3 to 15 minutes).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Do you have hemp questions?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Find regional and topical Texas A&M contacts for hemp at https:\/\/cdn-ext.agnet.tamu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/AgriLife-Hemp-Resources-Personnel-2020-02Feb10-Trostle.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n If you have a question that we can include in our Twitter communication, via this newsletter or the First Tuesday updates, please e-mail Calvin Trostle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/texasrowcrops\/files\/2022\/01\/1-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/texasrowcrops\/files\/2022\/01\/2-300x120.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/texasrowcrops\/files\/2022\/01\/2a-300x111.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n