OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Last week we reported that hemp farming was off to a slow start in Nebraska. One farmer we spoke with said he applied but hadn't heard back and feared the planting season would come and go before he was allowed to. Today a Nebraska tribe says they expect to be planting within weeks.
See also: https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/hemp-farming-slow-to-get-off-ground-in-nebraska
According to a release from Ho-Chunk Incorporated, a farming business owned by the Winnebago Tribe, they say they are "currently finalizing agreements with the state," and expect to be planting within the coming weeks.
They say a late planting season will lead to limited crops but that they're excited to get to work.
“This is a young industry with a lot of potential,” said Aaron LaPointe, business manager of Ho-Chunk Farms. “The 2019 season will be very small scale at 5.5 acres total. The data we collect during this pilot program gives us a head start for next year.”
They believe hemp farming will positively impact the Winnebago tribe and look forward to higher production next year.
Ho-Chunk Incorporated says other farmers are also in final talks with the state.
You can read the full release below:
A farming business owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s economic development corporation will start growing hemp yet this summer on the reservation.
Ho-Chunk Farms is among 10 applicants granted a Nebraska license to start hemp farming in 2019. The state received 176 applications after Gov. Pete Ricketts signed the Nebraska Hemp Farming Act (LB657) into law May 30.
“This is a young industry with a lot of potential,” said Aaron LaPointe, business manager of Ho-Chunk Farms. “The 2019 season will be very small scale at 5.5 acres total. The data we collect during this pilot program gives us a head start for next year.”
The 2014 U.S. farm bill authorized state departments of agriculture and higher educational institutions to grow and cultivate hemp under pilot research programs authorized by state law. Nebraska joins many Midwestern states aligning with federal law.
About half of Nebraska’s pilot program producers – including Ho-Chunk Farms – are currently finalizing agreements with the state. Ho-Chunk Farms expects to start planting in the coming weeks. The company’s participation is on behalf of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and includes working with the Ag Extension Program at Little Priest Tribal College.
This state pilot program will help the Winnebago Tribe and its entities scale up production next year by learning about local soil types, seeds and growing conditions. Ho-Chunk Farms will also be able to learn more about hemp processing and marketing.
Industrial hemp was legalized in the 2018 U.S. farm bill. That farm bill also authorized federally recognized tribes to develop their own regulatory plan for the production of hemp. The Winnebago Tribe’s regulatory plan will go through an approval process by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as required under the 2018 law.
