The Industrial Hemp Farmer Informational Event at SIU Feb. 25 will provide valuable information to participants at no cost. Photo provided.
February 19, 2026
Explore the industrial hemp growing industry at Feb. 25 SIU event
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Learn all about growing industrial hemp for grain and fiber at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Industrial Hemp Farmer Informational Event.
Industry leaders and experts will offer the latest information at the event set for 6 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Gower Translational Research Center, 1785 University Press Drive in Carbondale. There is no cost to attend but participants are asked to pre-register online.
Comprehensive program
The event begins with networking and then presentations run from 6:15-8 p.m. About an hour afterward is reserved for questions and answers.
Informative sessions will cover:
- Planting and harvesting.
- Offtake agreements.
- Weed management.
- Soil health.
- Low labor and low inputs.
- Improved soil health.
Experts will also provide insights about resources and industry developments. Industrial hemp varieties are now included in crop insurance and recently received classification under the “material” designation.
Event sponsors include, the APEX Accelerator Program at SIU, IH RISE and the SIU Cannabis Science Center.
The Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University exists through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD) with program support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and SIU Carbondale.
For more information, call 618-536-2355 or email brenda.j.henderson@siu.edu. For disability accommodations, call 618-453-5738.