USDA Hemp Report: Garbage In, Garbage Out

USDA Hemp Report: Garbage In, Garbage Out

Author: Eric Hurlock, Digital Editor October 9, 2025 Duration: 29:10

This week on the Hemp Show, we're talking to Brad Truman, a data analyst with CannaMarkets Group, about his recent deep dive into USDA's hemp import data.

His report, published in HempToday under the title When the Numbers Don't Add Up: USDA's Hemp Data Problem, raises serious questions about how hemp is being measured—and what those flawed numbers mean for farmers, investors, and policymakers.

Truman walks us through the painstaking process of pulling USDA hemp data out of PDFs, analyzing inconsistencies, and uncovering outright anomalies—like the infamous April 17th, 2024 report, which he calls a "hallucination."

We discuss how sloppy reporting erodes trust, the risks of "garbage in, garbage out" when big decisions rely on bad data, and why even simple errors like mixing up Austria and Australia can undermine credibility.

This conversation shines a light on the critical importance of accurate, dependable data as hemp emerges as an agricultural commodity. Truman not only identifies the problems but also offers practical fixes and a call for accountability.

For anyone who cares about hemp's future—from farmers and processors to policymakers and investors—this episode is a reminder that numbers matter.

Learn More

Get the Report: When the Numbers Don't Add Up: USDA's Hemp Data Problem 

https://hemptoday.net/flawed-data-in-usda-hemp-reports-is-warping-policy-investment-and-market-signals/

News Nuggets

Two Ukrainian hemp companies win EU-backed innovation grants for green tech

https://hemptoday.net/two-ukrainian-hemp-companies-win-eu-backed-innovation-grants-for-green-tech/

Popular UK design show gives hempcrete a major global platform in season debut

https://hemptoday.net/popular-uk-design-show-gives-hempcrete-a-major-global-platform-in-season-debut/

CBD's inclusion in U.S. system that tracks health risks is double-edged sword

https://hemptoday.net/cbds-inclusion-in-u-s-system-that-tracks-health-risks-is-double-edged-sword/

Brazil hemp ruling delayed again as health agency puts off decision on cultivation

https://hemptoday.net/brazil-hemp-ruling-delayed-again-as-health-agency-puts-off-decision-on-cultivation/

Thanks to our sponsor SunRay Hemp!

https://sunrayhemp.com


There’s a quiet revolution happening in fields and factories, and it’s centered on a single, versatile plant. Industrial Hemp Podcast, guided by Eric Hurlock, the Digital Editor at Lancaster Farming, moves beyond the headlines to explore what’s actually happening on the ground. This isn’t just theoretical discussion; it’s a direct line to the people driving the industry forward. Each episode features conversations with the farmers who are planting and harvesting these crops, facing very real agronomic challenges and opportunities. You’ll also hear from researchers, processors, and policy experts who are shaping the future of hemp for fiber, grain, and other industrial applications. The dialogue digs into the practicalities-from planting techniques and harvesting equipment to market trends, regulatory hurdles, and technological innovations that are changing the game. It’s a clear-eyed look at an agricultural sector finding its footing, reported by journalists with deep roots in farming communities. For anyone curious about the business, science, and sheer hard work behind industrial hemp, this podcast serves as an essential, grounded resource. Tune in for honest talk that cuts through the hype and gets to the root of this growing field.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Industrial Hemp Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Inside The NIHC Global Hemp Fiber Summit With Guy Carpenter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:59
The hemp event of the summer is taking place in Raleigh, North Carolina, July 15-17. It's the Global Industrial Hemp Fiber Summit, hosted by the Wilson College of Textiles, in conjunction with the National Industrial Hem…
The Hemp Show in Three Acts: A Café, a Workshop and a Reckoning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:12
This week's episode of the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast unfolds in three acts, each exploring a different facet of the growing hemp industry — from a café built on hemp-based food, to a hands-on construction…
Untangling The Language: What We Mean When We Say Hemp [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
This week on the Lancaster Farming Industrial Hemp Podcast, host Eric Hurlock wrestles with a question at the heart of the industry: What is hemp? The term has become increasingly diluted and controversial — especially i…
Special Edition: Musical Teaser in Exchange for Your Patience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:46
This week's episode is a little different—just a quick teaser while we finish up next week's show, which dives into the meaning of the word "hemp" and who gets to claim it. Host Eric Hurlock has been on a journey talking…
Unlocking the USDA Hemp Report - A Tale of Two Industries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:13
This week on the Hemp Podcast we're looking at the 2025 Hemp Report from the USDA. The annual report attempts to provide a snapshot of the hemp industry, which, according to the report, is valued at $445 million — up 40%…
Non-Wovens and the Goodness of Hemp with Hempitecture's Mattie Mead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:01
They say hemp has 25,000 uses — but today, we're focusing on just one: nonwovens. In this episode, Eric and Sophia dive into a hidden-yet-ubiquitous part of our daily lives with guest Mattie Mead from Hempitecture. From…
Navigating Uncertainty and Innovation in Hemp with Steve Groff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:40
In this episode, regenerative industrial hemp farmer Steve Groff returns for a candid discussion about the current state of hemp farming, innovation and industry challenges in Pennsylvania. Groff shares insights on the u…