U.S. Hemp Production Value Surges Sharply in 2025

Hemp growth is driven by floral demand, with mixed returns elsewhere.

Small hemp plants growing in outdoor plots at Forty Acre Co-op in Willow River, Minnesota.

Forty Acre Co-op in Willow River, Minnesota

FarmHER, Inc.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. hemp production expanded significantly in 2025, with total value rising to $739 million, signaling renewed growth in a sector that has faced volatility in recent years.

According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, overall hemp value increased 64 percent from 2024, driven largely by gains in floral hemp production. Open-field production accounted for $646 million of the total, with planted area rising 9 percent and harvested acreage up 34 percent year-over-year.

Floral hemp remained the dominant segment, totaling $574 million in value, up 49 percent, with production reaching 33.2 million pounds. Grain and seed hemp also posted strong gains, with grain value jumping 209 percent and seed value rising 193 percent, reflecting expanding demand in specialty markets.

Fiber hemp production increased modestly in volume but declined 13 percent in value, highlighting continued pricing pressure in industrial applications.

Production under protection also grew sharply, with value climbing 225 percent to $93.3 million, led by floral hemp and transplants.

The data show a sector regaining momentum, though it remains heavily concentrated in high-value floral markets.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Hemp growth is driven by floral demand, with mixed returns elsewhere.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Dairy markets are improving, but large supplies still cap the upside.
Investment and access to capital remain critical for agriculture.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Jake Charleston from Specialty Risk Insurance Agency recapped an Oklahoma auctioneer contest and recent industry events, showing how stakeholder feedback helps insurers gauge market conditions and risk management needs.
Cattle-on-Feed is down on the year in the USDA’s April report, with lower placements and marketings signaling tighter feedlot activity.
Steven Snow with the U.S. Small Business Administration joined us to discuss tax relief for rural Americans and the long-term benefits of new provisions impacting farmers and small businesses.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Strong ethanol exports support long-term growth in corn demand.
Rising global supplies may cap soybean price strength, while sorghum prices hinge heavily on China’s export demand.
Strong ethanol output supports corn demand despite export weakness.
Strong crush margins — now at multi-year highs — are encouraging processors to expand production.
Crop insurance remains essential as risks and costs rise.
Rural driving conditions increase the risk of serious collisions with animals.
Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.