Sunday, July 07, 2019 6:42 p.m. CDT
PLOVER, WI (WSAU-WAOW) — It’s the 2nd year for hemp farming in Central Wisconsin, and despite some early challenges, local farmers have a positive outlook on the crop.
The Omernik’s of Omernik Riverside Farms is one local group planting the crop to harvest it for uses like its fibers. Mike Omernik tells WAOW-TV of some of the challenges he faced in beginning to grow the crop.
“Initially there was no information, no one had good information on what to do on the crop. One of the initial flyers I saw said ‘Hemp: Needs no Water or Fertilizer’. Well, that’s not quite true.”
The Omernik’s have found that hemp grows best with just the right amount of water. And the quick growth of the crop has state legislators excited, like Stevens Point Senator Patrick Testin.
“This is huge. Huge! Leaps and bounds of where we were in year one. And I really do believe Wisconsin is poised to be a national leader in hemp again.”
The support in Madison is welcoming to community members entering the industry like the Omernik’s. And more support is likely coming according to Testin to grow the industry in Wisconsin.
