LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A farming business owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska’s economic development corporation will start growing hemp this summer on the tribe’s reservation.
Ho-Chunk Farms announced Thursday that it was one of 10 applicants that received a state license to start hemp farming. Nebraska cleared the way for a limited number of farmers to grow hemp with a new law passed in May.
Aaron LaPointe, the company’s business manager, says the first season will start small, with 5.5 acres of hemp. Planting is expected to start in the coming weeks. LaPointe says the initial crop for a pilot program will help the company prepare for next year.
Industrial hemp was legalized in 2018 U.S. Farm Bill.