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