Farmers Offered Industrial Hemp Informational Event in Mendota

MENDOTA — Farmers interested in growing industrial hemp as a grain and fiber row crop can attend a free informational event at the Mendota Civic Center on Wednesday to learn about planting and harvesting techniques, weed management, soil health, offtake agreements, and industry developments. The program comes as recent changes expand crop insurance coverage and classify certain hemp varieties as “material,” making 2026 a key year for Midwest growers considering the crop. The event will run from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., including networking, presentations, and a question-and-answer session, and is hosted by IH Rise at the Mendota Civic Center, 1901 Tom Merwin Drive, in Mendota.