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GRASS ROOTS HEMP MEETING IN GREAT FALLS EXAMINES THE GROWERS’ AND PROCESSORS’ PERSPECTIVE ON THE INDUSTRY B Y LY N D S AY B R U N O E D I TO R
The hemp industry in Montana is changing rapidly. Each year more growers are adding the crop to their operation and more processors are coming on board to turn the crop into a finished product. With the expansion of the industry come new challenges for growing, processing and marketing the crop. In January, Montana Farmers Union held a hemp workshop in Great Falls at the Times Square building. MFU President Walter Schweitzer said the purpose of the workshop was to introduce growers to the product and give processors an opportunity to pitch their services to growers. “The infrastructure hasn’t been developed yet,” said Schweitzer. ”They are working on it. Right now agriculture is facing a crisis. We’ve got this unilateral trade war with all of our major customers and farmers are struggling trying to find a crop that will succeed. Hemp has a lot of potential. I don’t believe we are there yet, but we are learning.” Over 100 people attended the full-day event. Andy Gray with the Montana Department of Agriculture(MDOA) provided an update on the licensing requirements, testing process and an overall update on the Montana industry.
MFU President Walter Schweitzer moderates the growers’ panel
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NFU OFFERS ONLINE TRAINING TO ADDRESS FARM STRESS Between persistently low prices, climate change, and trade uncertainty, times have been particularly tough in farm country – and it’s taking a toll on farmers’ mental wellbeing. But because 60 percent of rural residents live in areas that suffer from mental health professional shortages, many don’t know where to turn when they need help. That’s why National Farmers Union is offering an online training to help family members, friends, and neighbors address the farm stress crisis in their own communities. The training, which is free to all Farmers Union members and employees, will teach participants how to recognize signs of stress and offer help. Learn more and register: https:// nfu.org/education/farm-stress-education/
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