20 South Dakota farmers have seeded close to 2,000 acres of industrial hemp this year in the state, the first year it’s been allowed. South Dakota Industrial Hemp Association Executive Director Katie Sieverding says they’re off to a great start with most of the hemp being planted or grain and fiber varieties.
She says the three processors that have been licensed so far are in East River, South Dakota and they’re working on trying to get a fiber processor in the state and hope to get that done in the next two years.
Sieverding expects the industrial hemp industry to grow and that there’s even been an unusual use for industrial hemp that’s gone forward in Rapid City.
Sieverding says they’re planning an industrial hemp field day in August in the Willow Lake area.
