As of early June, IND HEMP is proud to report that all contracted industrial hemp acres have been successfully planted across Fort Benton and the surrounding Golden Triangle region. With both irrigated and dryland plots now in the ground, the 2025 season is off to one of the most promising starts in recent memory.
Healthy Emergence and Early Vigor
Fiber hemp was planted first and has already established thick, healthy rows. Grain hemp followed soon after and is now emerging evenly across the fields. IND HEMP Agronomist Dalton Wittmer shared:
“Off to a strong start, everything has been planted, and both the fiber and grain have emerged looking strong and healthy.”
While dryland planting is still experimental, spring rainfall has given even these fields a chance to thrive. The consistent moisture has enabled vigorous early growth, uniform root development, and minimal gaps in stand establishment—factors that set the stage for a successful harvest.
Grasshoppers Present but Under Control
One seasonal challenge has been the presence of grasshoppers, which are familiar pests in Montana. However, this year’s abundant spring rainfall has helped keep the insects dispersed across green pastures rather than concentrated on hemp crops. While field edges show minor
feeding, there’s no sign of economic damage. IND HEMP’s team continues to monitor pest pressure closely and remains ready to deploy preventative measures if needed.
Weather Outlook: Warm Summer Ahead
After a wetter-than-usual May—Helena even saw its wettest May since 1981—Montana farmers are entering the summer with better-than-average soil moisture reserves. According to NOAA’s long-range forecast, however, Summer 2025 is expected to be hotter and drier than normal. This makes irrigation strategy a key focus, especially for fiber fields. Fortunately, the early season moisture gives both irrigated and dryland hemp a strong buffer heading into what could be a challenging mid-summer period.
Hemp’s Role in a Historic Agricultural Landscape
Fort Benton and the Golden Triangle—one of Montana’s most productive agricultural zones—have long been known for world-class wheat, barley, and pulse crops. Hemp is now being integrated into this legacy as a modern rotational crop that adds agronomic and environmental value.
By incorporating hemp into established crop rotations, growers are finding they can:
· Replace fallow years without sacrificing yields
· Improve soil structure and nutrient cycling
· Break pest and disease cycles from cereals
· Reduce weed pressure and chemical inputs
As Wittmer notes, “Hemp’s adaptability to different soil types and relatively modest fertilizer needs make it a great fit for Montana’s grain systems.”
A Regenerative Crop for a Resilient Future
Hemp’s regenerative benefits are increasingly being recognized across the Golden Triangle:
· Soil Health: Deep roots break up compaction, while high biomass contributes organic matter.
· Biodiversity: Dense canopies and flowering attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
· Carbon Sequestration: Hemp’s high growth rate means more atmospheric carbon captured and stored in plant material and soils.
· Water Efficiency: Hemp shades soil, reduces evaporation, and performs well under no-till and moisture-retentive conditions.
These advantages align well with IND HEMP’s mission to advance sustainable, regenerative agriculture in Montana.
Market Momentum and Outlook for 2025
With early indicators pointing to a healthy crop and manageable pest pressure, IND HEMP is optimistic that 2025 will be a standout year. Strong yields and quality could open doors to new markets while meeting the needs of existing partners across food, feed, and fiber applications.
Montana’s farmers—known for their resilience and innovation—are showing that hemp has a meaningful place in the future of U.S. agriculture. By blending tradition with innovation, the Golden Triangle is once again proving to be a frontier for agricultural leadership.
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