Minnesota Approves Hemp Seed Meal for Laying Hens

LOS ANGELES- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has authorized the use of hemp seed meal in feed for laying hens, positioning Minnesota among the first states to permit this ingredient in poultry diets.

Hemp seed meal, derived from grinding the residual cake after oil extraction from hemp seeds, can now constitute up to 20% of a laying hen’s diet as a source of protein and fat. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established limits for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 2 parts per million (ppm) and cannabidiol (CBD) at 20 ppm in the meal.

This development follows the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) adding hemp seed meal as a tentative ingredient definition for laying hens earlier this year. Minnesota’s regulations permit the use of such tentative ingredients in animal feed and pet food.

Daniel King, an MDA feed specialist and AAFCO board member, noted that this approval offers an opportunity to expand hemp’s market presence, allowing producers to market it as a specialty ingredient.

The application period for a license to grow hemp in Minnesota for the 2025 season is currently open through April 30, 2025. Prospective growers are required to obtain a license from the MDA.

In 2023, Minnesota had 230 licensed hemp growers and 158 licensed processors. Hemp, classified as Cannabis sativa L., is legally distinguished from marijuana by containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

This approval is expected to create new market opportunities for industrial hemp growers and contribute to the diversification of animal feed options within the state.