Does hemp hold the potential to be Nevada’s next leading crop?
University research is looking at hemp varieties to determine best practices for production in Nevada
Hannah Alfaro
Cherry wine hemp, a strain Extension is growing for research, is showing great potential for growth in Nevada. Photo by Lauren McGue, Extension.
Hemp uses less water than many other crops, and its uses and popularity are growing. As a result, there is increasing interest in growing hemp in Nevada. Extension is now researching hemp varieties and best practices for growing it in Nevada, and offering online classes on the research findings. The work is being led by M.L. Robinson, an associate professor and horticulture specialist with Extension, with help from Extension’s Marysia Morawska, Lauren McGue and Master Gardener Volunteers.
"There are really positive results that we’re seeing in similar climates to Nevada when it comes to the growing of dual-purpose hemp crops," Morawska said. "Fiber, grain, hurd and oils, to name only a few, make up a huge part of the growing hemp economy, and Nevada can be a leader in the market, but we have to find the right plant genetics that work in our region. There is so much potential in this work."
Morawska and Robinson have conducted preliminary research and have hosted introductory workshops on hemp for the last few years. With growing interest and sold-out classes, they saw the opportunity to expand the curriculum beyond basic introductory courses.
The two started growing a handful of plants last year at Extension’s Botanic Gardens in Clark County in order to begin assessing the best practices for growing hemp in Nevada climates. This year, with help from McGue and Extension’s Master Gardeners, the team planted 11 different varieties of hemp at the Botanic Gardens to continue to research which ones grow best in Nevada’s desert environment. As part of the process, the team is developing best practices.
Coinciding with their research, the team is developing online classes for those interested in growing hemp, to promote it as a crop for Nevada and to provide research-based information for successful production here. The trainings will take producers through the hemp-growing process, including creating a small-business plan and getting proper licensing and certification.