Farm Service Agency (FSA) released the first 2021 crop acreage report last week, and it should be no surprise to Hemp Bulletin readers that acreage has decreased since 2020.  The scope of these reductions is somewhat of a surprise, particularly in the seed category.  This segment was a due a “correction” based on overall reduced planting – requiring less seed.   

Consolidation and continued professionalization of this segment has eliminated much of the shady seed dealings, but hemp seeds will continue to create drama in this industry.  Much of the small-scale seed production is likely not reported to FSA. 

The FSA has a category for ‘grain’ (hempseed) and ‘seed’.  There is likely some crossover in categorizing crops, with some producers choosing ‘seed’ as their category for a hempseed grain crop.  The numbers say a lot, in broad…