Hemp May Become the Latest Bedding Material for Horse Stalls

Kentucky’s climate is well suited to growing hemp, and the state was a leading producer of this crop in past decades when hemp was used to make ropes, mats, and other fiber products. Because of its genetic similarity to marijuana, growing hemp was outlawed for years, but this year’s Congressional passage of a new farm bill has allowed state agricultural departments to conduct planting and testing of several varieties of hemp.

Thirteen different strains of industrial hemp were planted at a research farm belonging to the University of Kentucky in the spring of 2014. The crops grew well, and the harvested plants will be assessed for uses including textiles, biofuels, and stall bedding for horses. Other possible uses for hemp include cosmetics, clothing, house insulation, and sound barriers for highways.

Production of hemp could bring new jobs and income to the Kentucky agriculture industry, and horse owners might gain an additional choice of material for bedding horse stalls. Hemp is said to be absorbent, and completely biodegradable, and less dusty than some other bedding types.