Purdue offers new online course focusing on hemp as a crop

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Through Purdue Global, a new online course is being offered that takes a deep dive and a comprehensive look at hemp as a crop and a product.

Marguerite Bolt, hemp extension specialist in the Purdue College of Agriculture’s Department of Agronomy, said the new Hemp Essentials online course has been in the works for more than a year and although the course doesn’t offer any credit, a certificate will be available upon completion.

The new course will be broken down into five different modules, which allow people to join the course at anytime.

Bolt said the different modules focus on all aspects about hemp. The first module will focus on the history of hemp as a general species, as well as the rules and regulations on it. The second module focuses on the genetics and growing cycles of a hemp plant, as well as looking at the botany of the plant.

During the third module, individuals will get a look at the production side of hemp, as well as knowing how to manage one’s crop and resources for dealing with pest and weed control.

The fourth module will look at the harvesting of hemp, as well as how to make and process products that are made with hemp. The fifth module will be geared toward the economics of the hemp product and what some questions individuals should ask when looking for a buyer.

For more information on the course, visit tinyurl.com/yy53xtr3.