48 pages
Published: 26 Feb 2025
Author(s): Mark Skewes
ISBN: 978-1-76053-547-6
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The industrial hemp industry in Australia is rapidly emerging due to the diverse range of products that can be produced from the crop, including grain, fibre and oil. However, the lack of reliable, region-specific data on variety performance, sowing times and agronomic practices remains a significant barrier to its growth. This project addresses these critical gaps, providing essential insights for producers and industry stakeholders.
The 2023-24 trial at Loxton, part of the nationally coordinated Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT) research initiative, evaluated 11 hemp varieties across two sowing times in South Australia’s Riverland region. The aim was to generate robust, regionalised data on grain yield, dry matter production and grain quality to support informed decision-making for growers.
Key findings include: (1) varieties such as Han Cold, Ruby and ECO-Excalibur had high grain yields, while longer-season varieties, such as Bama and Yuma, performed strongly in dry matter production, making them suitable for dual-purpose systems; (2) significant differences in grain size, oil content and protein were observed. Chinese varieties, including Han Cold and Yuma, excelled in grain quality traits, highlighting their potential for premium markets; and (3) later sowing times improved the performance of some varieties, such as ECO-Excalibur, but had variable effects on others, underscoring the importance of specific management practices.
The implications of these findings are substantial. The trial data offers growers practical guidance on variety selection and sowing strategies, reducing uncertainty and enabling higher productivity. Also, greater understanding of grain quality parameters can support market segmentation and the development of premium pricing structures.
Key recommendations for the industry include: (1) seed quality standards should be established to address germination and seedling vigour issues, ensuring consistent and reliable crop establishment; (2) processors should be encouraged to adopt pricing models that reward grain quality, promoting value-added production; and (3) varieties should be recommended in the Riverland region based on the growing system, such as ECO-Excalibur for grain-only systems and Han Cold or Yuma for dual-purpose systems.
This research highlights the potential of industrial hemp as a versatile and profitable crop. By addressing knowledge gaps and promoting best practices, it lays the foundation for sustainable growth in the Australian hemp industry.
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