1MG FlippingBooks
Hemp research gives boost to emerging industry
Elizabeth Gracie
Researchers at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) are exploring ways to manage the profitability of Tasmania’s industrial hemp industry for hemp growers.
The project is a joint venture between the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government.
Whilst industrial hemp is an emerging industry in Tasmania, Tasmania supplies approximately 80 per cent of Australia’s production of low-THC hemp seeds.
The two-year project headed by the TIA will assess the benefits of using industrial hemp as both a forage crop specifically for sheep or as a dual-purpose crop for both grazing and seed production.
Dr Beth Penrose, a lecturer in pasture science at the TIA is leading the research efforts and hopes that the new project will build upon previous studies into the nutritional value of hemp for animal feed that was conducted by the institute.
“We are building on this research by looking at five varieties of industrial hemp and assessing the effects of genotype, grazing time and environment on the nutritional value,” said Dr Penrose.
“We also want to find out the impact that grazing has on the yield of hemp seeds, and whether it could potentially increase the yield and the overall value of the crop”.
Initial trial sites will be established in North West Tasmania however as industrial hemp is not yet legal in Tasmania, the trials will only simulate grazing patterns by manually cutting the crops at different heights.
President of the Tasmanian Hemp Association (THA) Tim Schmidt, said that research on the applications and uses of industrial hemp was crucial to the long term success of the growing emerging industry.
“With Tasmania currently supplying over 80 per cent of Australia’s hemp seed for food, and having assisted in establishing a good industry foundation in the State, the THA is pleased to be able to support TIA and UTAS with growers funds to conduct new relevant research for the industry which will help foster a profitable industrial hemp industry for Australian farmers,” said Schmidt.
The project will also bring aboard local licensed farmers in an effort to increase the value of the hemp crop and the profitability of Tasmania’s industrial hemp industry for farmers.
NEWS
The U10 Pro Range redefines what a top‑tier full‑size UTV can be, launching a bold new era for the UFORCE family — now offered in three distinct models.
Family owned company Australian Farm and Fencing, located in Wagga Wagga NSW, is on a mission to help more and more Australian farmers recognise what is widely considered the world's best soil restorative or premium organic fertiliser: vermicast.
Invasive woody weeds steal your pasture. Method helps you take it back.
Australian farmers choose Bioflora for real results: sustainable roots, soil‑and‑plant biology that works, and a company genuinely committed to supporting growers’ season after season.
Adding hectares isn’t the only business growth strategy for farmers. Smarter landforming can recover margin, improve efficiency, and deliver quicker returns — whether automation is on your agenda or not.
As sheep producers adopt electronic identification, many are focusing on systems that keep work flowing in the yards and deliver value beyond compliance. For producers, the real benefit of EID is simple: faster yard work, more reliable reads, and cleaner flock records — all without adding extra steps.
