Rep. Swanson attended and addressed the 2024 Hemp Research Open House at the University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.
Rep. Swanson spoke about legislation that has helped restart hemp farming in Illinois in recent years, and also about his family’s participation in supplying hemp for the military to support the war effort during World War 2.
“I remember Grandpa talking about neighbors helping each other harvest and then transport hemp to Galesburg or Aledo in support of the war effort. Ropes were in high demand for ships and other military needs. I was reminded of Grandpa’s story when we took livestock to or bought livestock at the Galesburg Livestock auction, because that was the hemp processing site. I still find an occasional Hemp plant on our farm.”
Other participants included the President of the Illinois Hemp Growers Association and the University Department Head of Crop Sciences. The day was focused on crop tours and discussions about the potential of the expanding Illinois commercial hemp industry.
