McHenry County College (MCC) announces an exciting event for the food and farming community this February.
“Hemp Today: Growing and Marketing Industrial Hemp” will take place Saturday, February 12 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the MCC Conference Center. The session will cover the latest on the hemp industry in Illinois and beyond, and review the opportunities and challenges that exist for industrial hemp farmers, processors, and business owners. Breakout sessions will cover growing and processing cannabinoid products and marketing of hemp products.
Hosted by the College’s Center for Agrarian Learning, the sessions are led by experts who aim to educate and inspire by sharing the latest growing and business practices to keep farms sustainable, productive, and profitable.
“This session is great for both beginners and people currently working in the hemp industry,” said Sheri Doyel, Director of the Center for Agrarian Learning. “Those who are just starting out are also invited to come early to the session at 10 a.m. for a ‘Hemp 101’ primer which will cover the basics of hemp cannabinoids, grain, and fiber.”
The course will be presented by a group of regional hemp experts, including Rachel Berry, founder and CEO of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association; Kalee Hooghkirk, Midwest Hemp Coalition; Evera Ivy, Ivy League Farms, LLC; Stacy McCaskill, owner and founder of Hempstock Pharms; Michael Perez, Planted Root Farms; Phillip Scott, Wisconsin Hemp Farmers and Manufacturers Association; and Rachael Smedberg, founder of Tulip Tree Gardens.
The session costs $35 to attend and box lunch is included.
To register and learn more about all upcoming presentations, visit www.mchenry.edu/events/agriculture-events.html.
For more information on the Center for Agrarian Learning, visit www.mchenry.edu/cal.
If you need an accommodation or a sign language interpreter, contact the Access and Disability Services department at (815) 455-8766 or disabilityservices@mchenry.edu.