Already nation's top Hemp producer, South Dakota aims to capitalize on Budding industry
Acres planted in 2023 up 42 percent.
South Dakota led the country in the amount of hemp harvested last year, and the number of acres used to farm the newly legal crop continues to grow.
The South Dakota Industrial Hemp Association is reporting a 42 percent increase in acres of hemp planted in 2023, the third growing season since the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) began regulating industrial cultivation of the plant.
Though harvest numbers from this year aren’t yet available, SDIHA Vice President Derrick Dohmann anticipates the state will remain atop the list of the country’s highest hemp producers when final numbers are in come spring.
“We’re definitely thinking we’re going to increase in acres again,” said the hemp seed supplier with Horizon Hemp Seeds in Willow Lake.
Dohmann and his fellow SDIHA board members are feeling bullish on where the industry is going both in South Dakota and nationwide. And why wouldn’t they when comparing year-over-year numbers.
Last year, 24 licensed hemp farmers in South Dakota planted 2,800 acres of hemp, the most planted by any state except for Montana. However, in terms of acres of hemp harvested, the 2,500 in South Dakota was the most of any state.
In contrast, 45 industrial hemp licenses were issued by DANR to farmers this year. Those license holders planted 4,000 acres, according to SDIHA figures.
“We’re hoping to be number one for harvesting again,” Dohmann said.
