By Scout Nelson
According to the latest figures released by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, industrial hemp grown under protection in Nebraska totaled 11,216 square feet in 2024. This marks a decrease from the 14,610 square feet reported in 2023.
“Industrial hemp grown under protection in Nebraska in 2024 totaled 11,216 square feet, down from 14,610 square feet in 2023, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.”
The term “under protection” refers to hemp that is cultivated indoors or in controlled environments such as greenhouses. These environments allow for extended growing seasons, better control over pests and diseases, and more consistent crop quality. However, the decrease in total square footage suggests some growers may be reassessing production methods or facing challenges in maintaining protected operations.
This decline in indoor hemp acreage may be influenced by several factors, including market demand shifts, regulatory changes, or increased operational costs. It is also possible that more focus is being placed on open-field hemp cultivation due to its cost-effectiveness and scalability.
Despite the decrease, Nebraska continues to remain engaged in hemp production as part of its broader agricultural economy. The state monitors both protected and open-air hemp cultivation to track changes and trends that could inform policy and support programs.
As industrial hemp production evolves, data like this helps producers, researchers, and policymakers better understand the direction of this emerging sector. Continued tracking of protected hemp acreage will be important in future years to see if this downward trend continues or if it stabilizes.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Nebraska, General