OGLESBY – IH RISE will host two industrial hemp farmer informational events in January and February with sessions focused on growing industrial hemp for grain and fiber as a row crop in 2026. The first event is scheduled for Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Illinois Valley Community College in Building CTC 124, while the second will be held Feb. 4th from 6 to 9 p.m. at Emerald Acres on Illinois Route 47 in Virgil. Both events include networking from 6 to 6:30 p.m., a presentation from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and a question and answer session from 8 to 9 p.m. Topics include planting, harvesting, offtake agreements, weed management, and soil health. Organizers say industrial hemp varieties are covered by crop insurance and have recently been classified under a material designation. Registration is free.
