Hemp group plans meetings in NW Iowa

The Iowa Hemp Association plans to hold meetings in Fort Dodge and Emmetsburg in northwest Iowa Saturday and Monday to discuss the financial and environmental benefits of growing industrial hemp.

The group said adding industrial hemp to a corn and soybean rotation can improve soil health with added diversity and reduce compaction and erosion. “Hemp, with a deep taproot reaching up to 8 or 9 feet, can break up compaction, aerate the soil and further aid in nutrient absorption,” the group said.

It also might be a better option for cellulosic ethanol plants that now use corn residue to make the biofuel, the association said.

The hemp meeting in Fort Dodge will be held 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Dodge Public Library, 424 Central Ave., and in Emmetsburg from 6:30-9 p.m. Monday at The Shores at Five Island, 14 N Lawler St. The events are free. Some food and beverages will be provided.