Hemp Genetics and Agronomy

Jeff Kostuik, director of Operations Central Region (Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan), will be speaking about hemp genetics and agronomy at the 66th Annual National Hard Spring Wheat Show on Tuesday, March 12th at 6:45 pm.

Kostuik will be talking about hemp seeding rates, dates, fertility, crop protection, pests, and hemp storage and harvest. He will also talk about how he grew hemp with conventional equipment used for grain. “The plant has so many uses, there is no part of the plant that cannot be marketed; the diversity of the plant always keeps agronomists on their toes,” explained Kostuik.

Since 1998, Kostuik has been involved in hemp research. He studied Agriculture at the University of Manitoba and in 2012 obtained a BGS from Athabasca University. He is a Certified Crop Advisor and is a member of the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists. He is also a director of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance where he currently holds a position on the Research Committee.

Kostuik’s experience includes being the Manitoba provincial contact regarding hemp agronomy as he was the project leader for hemp research trials in Manitoba. He was also employed as a Diversification Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, Food & Rural Development while working alongside the Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation.

In 2015, Kostuik obtained a job with Hemp Genetics International (HGI) where he takes a lead role in sharing his agricultural knowledge to HGI clients. Hemp research continues to be a focus for Jeff, both in Canada and abroad, determining what varieties will perform in varying conditions and climates. The company joins the global stage in working with producers and research affiliates to provide quality products as the benefits of hemp become more recognized.

Kostuik is passionate about the hemp industry and takes great pride in developing business relationships on a local, national, and international level. Along with his work with HGI, Kostuik is an enthusiastic hemp farmer working with his brother in law on their family farm producing pedigreed hemp seed.

At the 66th Annual National Hard Spring Wheat Show Kostuik hopes to provide agronomy advice to the farmers in attendance and try to answer all question related to hemp.