Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) has entered into a partnership with Saluna, a St. Louis-based tech startup, to explore hemp agriculture opportunities in the region. The collaboration will involve planting hemp near SEMO’s extension campus in Sikeston, with students participating in the process.
Saluna, focused on bringing new crops to market, aims to utilize hemp for various purposes including fuel production through its oil and as livestock feed using the leftover meal. Michael Gerau, Chief Technology Officer of Saluna, explained that the company will identify specific hemp genetics, increase seed production, and commercialize it for local growers to incorporate into their crop rotation between corn and soybeans.
The Hemp Cultivation Process
The partnership will provide SEMO students with hands-on experience as Saluna plans to grow hemp at SEMO’s Sikeston extension center. Gerau emphasized the educational value of this collaboration, stating, “This is an opportunity where I can bring what we do at Saluna to the students at SEMO and make it real and get them to have hands-on opportunities to do some research.”
Distinguishing Hemp from Marijuana
Gerau also clarified the difference between hemp and marijuana, explaining that while the plants appear identical, the key distinction lies in their THC content. The hemp plants cultivated by Saluna will have very low or no THC levels, making them unsuitable for recreational use. “Inside the flower tissue will be an absence of the intoxicant that many people use marijuana for recreationally,” Gerau noted.
For more information about Saluna, you can visit their [website](Home – Saluna).
