2025 Field Trials
Rothamsted Research — Baseline Hemp Cultivation Study for UK Breeding Programme
Research Partner
Rothamsted Research
Location
Harpenden, Hertfordshire
Trial Period
April - September 2025
UK's Pioneering Hemp Research Trial
In 2025, Precision Plants conducted its first research grow field trial of an EU-approved hemp variety at Rothamsted Research, the world's oldest agricultural research institution. This trial represents a significant milestone in developing precision-bred hemp varieties optimised for UK growing conditions.
2025 Drought Conditions
The 2025 growing season presented exceptional challenges. Rothamsted recorded its sunniest year since 1891 and warmest summer on record, with rainfall 34% below the long-term average during the critical growing period. These conditions provided valuable data on hemp drought tolerance and stress response.
Research Objective
Evaluate EU hemp variety performance under UK conditions as baseline for precision breeding programme
Varieties Studied
Male and female hemp plants observed through complete growth cycle under drought stress
Compliance
All plants maintained THC levels below the legal 0.2% threshold throughout the trial
2025 Environmental Conditions
Verified meteorological data from the Rothamsted Electronic Archive (e-RA), the world's longest continuous set of agricultural weather records
-34%
Drought Conditions
Below average rainfall during growing season (April-September)
Only 215.5mm vs 327.8mm average
1,945 hrs
Record Sunshine
Sunniest year on record since 1891
+292 hours above annual average
18.1°C
Warmest Summer
Record-breaking average temperature
Hottest summer since records began
31.7°C
Heat Events
Peak temperature on July 1st
Multiple days exceeding 30°C
Monthly Growing Season Data
April - September 2025 vs 30-year average (1991-2020)
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hrs) | Max Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 27.7(-26.3) | 256.2(+84.2) | 16.4(+3.0) |
| May | 19.6(-33.7) | 244.7(+41.4) | 18.6(+2.1) |
| June | 26.5(-28.4) | 268.9(+63.1) | 23.2(+3.7) |
| July | 46.5(-9.0) | 215.1(+8.2) | 23.9(+1.9) |
| August | 27.5(-44.5) | 212.9(+23.5) | 23.2(+1.6) |
| September | 67.7(+9.9) | 174.1(+23.4) | 18.7(+0.1) |
| Season Total/Avg | 215.5 (-112.3) | 1,371.9 (+250.9) | 20.7 (+2.2) |
Data source: Rothamsted Electronic Archive (e-RA) —era.rothamsted.ac.uk
Trial Documentation
Photographic record of the 2025 field trial at Rothamsted Research
May 2025 — Field Preparation
Field preparation - May 2025
Soil preparation for trial plots
Preparing seedbed - May 2025
Professional cultivation equipment
Trial plot establishment
Field operations
July 2025 — Hemp Growth Under Drought Conditions
Male hemp plant - July 2025
Male hemp plant showing characteristic pollen sacs. Note the dry, cracked soil visible in the background — evidence of the severe drought conditions during the 2025 growing season.
Female hemp plant - July 2025
Female hemp plant displaying pistillate flowers with white stigmas. The parched soil conditions demonstrate the water stress experienced during the record-breaking 2025 drought.
Research Insights
Key learnings from the 2025 drought-stressed trial
Drought Tolerance Data
The extreme 2025 conditions provided invaluable baseline data on hemp stress response, informing our precision breeding targets for drought-resistant UK varieties.
Sexual Dimorphism
Detailed observation of male and female plant development under stress conditions, essential for optimising breeding programmes and seed production strategies.
THC Stability
Despite extreme heat and drought stress, all plants maintained THC levels below the 0.2% legal threshold — critical validation for UK regulatory compliance.
Climate Adaptation
With UK summers projected to become warmer and drier, this trial provides crucial data for developing climate-resilient hemp varieties.
Research Partnership
Collaboration with Rothamsted Research — a world-leading agricultural institution — ensures rigorous scientific methodology and access to historic environmental data.
Future Trials
The 2025 baseline data will inform expanded 2026 trials, continuing to evaluate EU varieties under UK conditions while our precision-bred genetics progress through laboratory development.
Access Detailed Trial Data
Farmers and investors can request access to our comprehensive field trial reports, including detailed agronomic data, environmental analysis, and THC testing results.
Available Reports:
- 2025 Rothamsted trial summary
- Environmental stress analysis
- THC compliance test results
- Male/female plant observations
- 2026 trial programme preview