Hemp production topic of upcoming Neligh meeting

Ag producers interested in diversifying their farm operations may want to attend a meeting sponsored by Midwest Hemp Forum, scheduled for Feb. 21, at the Antelope County Fairgrounds in Neligh.

The forum will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m. Lunch will be served.

The event, co-sponsored by local entities including Neligh Economic Development, Blackburn Manufacturing, Farm Bureau Financial Services and Broberg Organics, will feature guest speakers and experts in growing hemp as a cash crop.

Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, economic development director for Neligh and Clearwater, said she thought it was important to bring discussion about hemp to the region.

"In talking with producers, I know their options are limited what to grow," she said.

She started researching hemp production and learned more than 25,000 products are made from hemp.

"It does well in sand. It's insect and weed resistant," she noted.

Throughout time, hemp has been used to create canvas and textiles. With five parts of a hemp plant able to be harvested, the list of potential products includes paints, plastics and oil.

Unlike marijuana, hemp differs in the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol - or THC.

Sheridan-Simonsen said the event will spotlight ag opportunities in Antelope and surrounding counties.

"This area could become a hub for hemp production," she said.

Nebraska's Department of Agriculture submitted a state hemp plan for approval to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dec. 20.

USDA officials have 60 days to review the plan before approving it as is or suggesting changes to comply with federal standards.