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It's Too Late To Plant Corn, But Illinois Farmers Can Still Grow Hemp

Associated Press

DOWNS -- One McLean County hemp grower says it may be too late to plant corn crops, but the limit for growing hemp is sky high.

Chris Berry is a hemp farmer in Downs and vice chairman of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association. With an abnormally wet planting season, Berry said many farmers have opted not to plant their crops.

"Anybody out there who wants grow something this year, look into growing hemp fiber. It's a good experience to get ready for next year, because I think next year, the market's going to be huge," he said.

Berry said growing hemp is similar to a hay operation, and the life cycle of the crop is only 60 days.

In April, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he believes hemp could become a billion-dollar industry in Illinois.

Hemp fiber is used to create rope, canvas, paper, and cotton-like fabric.

Farmers can apply to grow industrial hemp on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website. Berry said some farmers have had their applications approved in a matter of hours.

Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.
Mary works as an intern for NPR Illinois' Illinois Issues. She is currently a student in the Public Affairs Reporting master's degree program at the University of Illinois Springfield and will graduate in May 2018. Prior to coming to Springfield, Mary worked as the Editorial Intern at the Chicago Sun-Times. She obtained her bachelor's degree in journalism from Illinois State University where she served as the school newspaper's news editor and editorial writer. Mary is from Naperville, Ill., and attended Wheaton Warrenville South High School.